A call has been made to increase women participation and involvement in politics ahead of the 2023 General Elections.
The Public Relation Officer, Society for Peace Studies and Practice, Mrs. Fayokemi Otulana made this known on Thursday in Abeokuta, the Ogun State capital during a symposium to commemorate the 2022 International Women’s Day Celebration organized by Women under the auspices of Asiwaju Dapo Wahab Foundation, advocated for more leadership roles for women in the Nigerian political space.
She said that women should be given more appointments in addition to the already established roles dedicated to women at public and private establishments.
Otulana pointed out that there’s need for an increase in the percentage of women in elective positions owing to achievements being recorded by women in recent times as women are professional and competent in their respective fields.
“Women should be able to come out and contest these positions because there are women who can prove the world and this country that they can make the difference”, she stated.
With “Break The Bias”, being the global campaign theme of 2022 International Women’s Day that was recently celebrated on March 8. The Director of EduGUF, Prof. Helen Bodunde on her part mentioned some factors limiting the full capacity of women which are patriarchy society, stigmatization, low level of education, financing, political violence, religious and cultural barriers, non-indigene syndrome among others.
While commending activities of Asiwaju Dapo Wahab Foundation towards bringing succour to the vulnerable and less privileged ones in the society, Mrs. Ekwu Eucharia, Assistant State Commander, Drug Demand Reduction of National Drug Law and Enforcement Agency (NDLEA) urge youths to reject drugs and build a society that they and generations after them would be proud of.
“As women, we have to help the youth understand that no one who indulges in drugs lives a successful life because drugs affect not just the user but the family and community at large.
“It leads to loss of dignity and focus as well as has severe health implications such as memory loss and psychological imbalance. We want youths to say no to drugs,” she said.
On his part, the President and Founder of Asiwaju Dapo Wahab Foundation, Alhaji Asiwaju Dapo Wahab called on Government at all levels to include gender consideration in all sustainable works, health insurance scheme, political positions and other various opportunity as contained in the Constitution to empower the women and Girlchild in the society.
Asiwaju Wahab pointed out that the contribution of women cannot be overemphasized as it influenced all facet of human life and called for an end to gender-based violence and inequality.
“I want to believe that if gender equality are given chances, it would prevent violence against women and Girlchild which will in return ensure economic development as a society that value women and men equally are safer and healthier”.
“I call on women in Nigeria to continue to challenge the systems and institutions to ensure access to employment and empowerment so as to eliminate any forms of gender based violence”, he concluded.
The event also witnessed Presentation of Certificate of recognition to Asiwaju Dapo Wahab Foundation courtesy of Ogun State Government and donation of cash to fifteen widows.
