From Usman Abubakar, in Maiduguri
With still over two more years to the 2027 general elections, an international nongovernmental organization has triggered agitation for an upscaled women participation in the politics and governance of the Nigeria.
The agitation comes on the heels of the Special Seats for Women Bill, agitating for 111 seats for women at the federal legislature, which has been before the Senate since the 9th the Assembly.
The INGO, Stand To End Rape Initiative, in Maiduguri, Wednesday, December 4, held a town hall meeting on Amplifying Women’s Participation In Politics and Governance in Nigeria, which drew the participation of CSOs, women groups, journalists, community leaders and the academia.
Participants brainstormed on the various barriers against women’s participation in politics and governance, with some calling for gender equality as others called for gender inclusiveness.
The keynote speaker, Dr. Ibrahim Shettima of the Department of Political Science, University of Maiduguri, lamented the sharp contrast between the population of women in the country and their level of participation in politics and governance.
“Women constitute 50 percent of the Nigerian population, and are vibrant in mobilization and sensitization on issues affecting the country, but their representation in the politics of the governance of the country is very low,” he maintained.
“Although we constitute about 50 percent of the country’s population, we hold less than six percent of the elective offices, in spite of the 35 percent affirmative action,” Falmata Umar Lawan, Director of Women Affairs at the Borno State Ministry of Women Affairs and Social Development, grieved.
“We are not agitating for equality with men, but for inclusiveness,” Falmata said, adding, “but we want inclusiveness and equity; therefore the systemic barriers against our participation in politics and governance should be addressed to enable us participate.”
She asserted: “We want not just women, but women with capacity and credibility in key positions of politics and governance.”
The town hall convergence, supported by the German Embassy in Nigeria, was to brainstorm on how best Nigerians can approach the issue of gender inclusiveness in the country’s politics and governance without abusing the religious and traditional sensitivities.
It was also to collect signed petitions from participants to enable stakeholders to push for the passage of the bill.
