……Pledge Missive Support, Training
By Paul Effiong, Abuja
The House of Representatives has called on the Ministry of Women Affairs to designate a department with adequate budgetary provision to groom, train, and support women in politics across the country.
The Ministry was also asked to encourage the inclusion of the role of women in political leadership in secondary school curriculum across.
To this end, the House further mandated two of its Committees that of Women in Parliament as well as Women Affairs to liaise with the Ministry of Women Affairs and other relevant agencies to constantly
organize trainings and seminars for women who are interested in running for political offices most especially those in rural areas of the country in view of the fact that politics starts from the grassroots.
Meanwhile the Green Chamber has also mandated the Committee on Legislative Compliance to monitor and ensure strict compliance of the directive.
This was sequel to the adoption of a motion on the Need to Provide Training and Support for Women in Politics’ moved during plenary yesterday by Hon. Blessing Chigeru Amadi.
In her lead debate Blessing Amadi informed her colleagues that there are only few women in political and leadership positions across Nigeria.
She equally revealed that in Nigeria, women are currently holding less than 8% of seats in both the National and State House of Assemblies.
The lawmaker used the opportunity to emphasize the importance of gender equality, and the vital role of women in political leadership as well as in raising homes and families.
Meanwhile the lawmaker said she is aware that some societal factors such as; cultural or religious norms, marriage, indigeneship among others impede women’s participation and representation in politics in Nigeria.
“The full and equitable participation of women in public life is essential to building and sustaining strong and vibrant democracies”.
The lawmaker pointed out that she is not unaware that education is no longer the ability to read, write, and calculate, but the ability to have problem-solving and critical thinking skills necessary to bring about changes needed.
Lawmakers during the debate expressed worried that despite progress in recent years, women remain significantly underrepresented in political and leadership positions globally and Nigeria in particular.
They lamented that in Nigeria, women don’t have equal opportunity and support to serve as political
leaders and elected representatives noting that such attribute is vital to Nigeria’s democracy
According to her: “Cognizant that to bring about any change in this disparity, it will require pro-active measures to equip women with the leadership skills, resources, and support needed to navigate the political landscape, and effectively participate in decision making processes”. The Federal Ministry of Women Affairs and Social Development is a part of the Federal Ministries of Nigeria that promotes the development of women and children in Nigeria. The ministry is currently headed by Uju Kennedy-Ohanenye.
