By our correspondent, Abuja
The National Chairman of the Peoples Democratic Party, Ambassador Umar Damagum has taken a swipe at men saying that they have let down the current generation. Damagum, Friday, accordingly expressed his desire for a woman to be the next President of Nigeria.
Damagum, who was represented by the PDP National Secretary, Senator Samuel Anyanwu, made this statement during the celebration of the International Women’s Day (IWD) 2024 at the party’s national headquarters in Abuja.
The IWD is an annual global event that celebrates women’s achievements in social, economic, cultural, and political realms in addition to driving forward the cause of gender equality. It is celebrated on March 8 annually.
The official theme of the day for the United Nations is ‘Invest in Women: Accelerate progress. The PDP’s sub theme, “Empowering Women and Girls for Political Leadership,” arises from the urgent demand and campaigning for increased female presence in politics.
Amb Damagum harped on the significant role of mothers and women, stating that it cannot be overstated, while also highlighting the PDP as the sole party providing opportunities for women to succeed.
According to the PDP National Chairman, “The significance of mothers and the role of women cannot be overstated. Let me be sincere with you, I pray and hope that, even if not in our generation, one day a woman will become the president of this country.
“I say this with utmost sincerity and from the depth of my heart because I believe that the men have failed this generation.
“In politics, that’s why the founding fathers of PDP recognize the importance of women.
“Today, in Nigeria, no matter how you look at it, PDP is the most democratic party in Nigeria and Africa. It’s the only party that provides women with the opportunity to aspire to any position without having to buy any form. We do this to encourage women.”
Speaking at the ceremony, the National Woman Leader of the Peoples Democratic Party, PDP, Hon. Amina Divine Arong identified women’s equal participation and leadership in politics as one of the kevs to the achievement of the sustainable development goals by 2030.
Arong pointed out that having women as leaders and decision-makers at all levels are critical to advancing gender justice, gender equality and furthers economic, social, and political progress for all.
Women, according to Arong, have also established themselves as a symbol of unity and cooperation, playing pivotal roles to the survival of a family which is a basic social organization not forgetting to mention that women value accountability.
The PDP National Woman Leader said, “Women’s equal participation and leadership in politics are one of the kevs to the achievement of the sustainable development goals by 2030.
“According to the data made available by the UN, as at January 10th 2024, there are 26 countries where women serve as Heads of states or government, with only 15 countries out of 195 in the world. having a woman as Head of State and 16 having women as head of government which you will all agree is quite poor.
“Sadly, despite women being powerful agents of change with proven benefits, they have continued to be under-represented in Politics, and other sectors.
“The importance of having women in leadership positions cannot be overemphasized as result has shown clearly that companies and organizations led by women seem to have fared better than their counterparts during times of financial crisis.
“Having women as leaders and decision-makers at all levels are critical to advancing gender justice, gender equality and furthers economic, social, and political progress for all.
“Women have also established themselves as a symbol of unity and cooperation, playing pivotal roles to the survival of a family which is a basic social organization not forgetting to mention that women value accountability.
“Accountability is an important leadership quality. A leader who understands the value of accountability will not put the onus of any loss or blunder on individuals or members of their team or organization.
“Women who have found their way into leadership positions must ensure they provide access to opportunities for growth and development.
“We must end discrimination against working mothers and break down “maternal walls” which is prejudices faced by working mothers and women seeking jobs.
“Empower women to be financially independent and also create a monetary scheme that allows women generate fund as a means of support for women who intend to run for elective offices.
Appointive and Elective positions within the party must be seen to reflect the 35% affirmative action enshrined in party constitutions and should not be restricted to only a position.
“Young women and girls must be groomed and encouraged not maligned and shut out of the political space. “Getting them involved in projects, programs, Party activities and processes and affording them the opportunity to play key roles within the party will go a long way to motivate and prepare them for effective leadership”, she said.
