March 9, 2018
How to position women for leadership and effective political participation dominated the discussion at the Media Women Forum workshop on “Mobilizing Women for Politics”. All the guest speakers and panel of discussants called on Nigerian Women to be effectively involved and participate in politics.
Professor Remi Sonaiya , ex KOWA party presidential candidate said some men feel that having Women in leadership positions will be achieved at their own expense, so that brings a certain degree of resistance. She said women should rise above any form of discouragement and strive to make a difference.
Darcy Zotter Public affairs officer, United States Consulate General gave an illuminating insight into the struggle of women in politics in the United States, the progress made over the years, and how this can influence women in politics in Nigeria. “We recognize that first and foremost women are not encouraged to run. Women rights are human right”.
Hajia Adiza Umoru, shares Zotter’s view. She said women are not encouraged. “The 35% affirmative action for women in Nigeria seems to be abandoned. The policy demands 35 percent involvement of women in all governance process. Umoru lamented that Nigerian women are obviously marginalized in the Democratization process, saying that in spite of the fact that many Women are literate, they still hold less than five percent of important decision making positions in the country.
Statistics show that women are grossly underrepresented in the Legislative and Executive arms of Government across the country.
For instance out of 109 Senators only nine are women while at the House of Representatives 27 out of 360 members are women. This shows a clear lopsided membership of legislatives in favor of men
Remi Adikwu another speaker, charged more Women to become effectively involved in politics and be more relevant
Yinka Odumakin, Publicity Secretary of Afenifere, also believes that Women should actively be involved in politics and position themselves for leadership roles
Victor Okhai, a member of the panel of discussants asked women to wake up. “As 2019 beckons, I charge women in Nigeria to not only register to have their voices heard through their votes but rise up to be counted among those who will take over the mantle of leadership. If you think anyone is going to hand over power to you on a platter you are mistaken. If you think the men will say because you are a woman, you should be given special treatment, you are dreaming. Wake up. Don’t just sit and watch. Stand up to be to be counted”.
Media Women Forum was established to champion the cause of women, motivate them to be active agents of change in their communities and empower women to live quality lives.
The forum encourages Government and individuals to take positive actions on issues affecting women.
Media Women Forum is largely made up of female Media executives who hold decision making positions and seasoned Broadcasters.
