By Esther Onibon
Ekiti State Commissioner for Women Affairs, Mrs. Peju
Babafemi, has applauded the efforts of UN Women and a Non-Governmental
Organisation, Balm in Gilead Foundation
for Sustainable Development (BIGIF) in promoting gender equality and increasing
women's participation in politics.
Mrs. Babafemi hailed the efforts of the duo at a 2-day
Stakeholders' Convening Programme titled "Women Political Participation in
Nigeria," held in Ado-Ekiti.
The Commissioner commended the Governor Biodun Oyebanji-led
government in Ekiti State advancing women's representation in leadership roles,
its commitment to implementing equal opportunity laws and strengthening
policies that empower women in public service.
"This convening is designed to refine strategies that
will further increase women's participation in governance and elective
positions across the State and the country," she said.
The former Chairman of the Council of Traditional Rulers in
the State and Onisan of Isan-Ekiti, HRM, Oba Ayodele Adejuwon who called for
increased female political engagement and stressed the importance of
understanding and promoting women's participation in politics.
Oba Adejuwon who pointed out that women are under-represented
in political appointments despite their significant involvement during
elections, urged the relevant stakeholders to sensitize women in the State on
the importance of involving in politics.
The UN Women representative, Mr. Zephaniah Aura praised
Ekiti State's progress in gender representation, noting that the State has
surpassed Kwara in female representation at the State House of Assembly.
Mr. Aura, however, called for the full implementation of the
Gender Opportunity Policy (GOP) Law, which has been passed but not yet fully
utilized.
He underscored that despite Nigeria's low global ranking in
gender representation, there have been legislative strides such as the
enactment of the Violence Against Persons (Prohibition) Act and the National
Gender Policy, though their implementation remains inadequate.
Mr. Aura also
stressed the need for early and continuous preparation of women candidates to
help them overcome challenges and build strong connections with voters,
particularly at the grassroots level.
The Executive Director, Balm in Gilead Foundation for
Sustainable Development (BIGIF), Dr Oluwatumininu Adedeji who was represented
by Mr. Jude Ogunlade, reaffirmed the organization's dedication to ensuring
women lead in governance and politics in Ekiti State.
He noted the positive outcomes of the UNMT project, which
aims to empower women in political roles, adding that the organization would
not relent in its efforts by working with relevant stakeholders to achieve
their goals.
The Chairman, Inter-Party Advisory Council and the Young
Progressive Party (YPP) in Ekiti State, Mr. Owoola Daramola, emphasized the
importance of women's active participation in elective politics.
He attributed cultural practices and traditional mindsets in
Africa as barriers to women's access to political and economic power.
He noted that the programme is a valuable initiative,
encouraging women, churches and organizations to reflect on their roles and
take action to address the issue.
The representative of the Christian Association of Nigeria
(CAN), Rev. Father Peter Asumpter, challenged women to participate more in
politics so as to occupy more political positions in the State.
Rev. Father Peter Asumpter urged women to support one
another through voting, calling this the "greatest challenge" for
women.
Similarly, the
representative of the Muslim Organization of Nigeria, Alhaji Adebowale
highlighted the significance of women's involvement in politics, stressing that
their participation is essential for societal development.
He stated that women constituted a larger portion of the
global population, noting that the inclusion of women in governance was
important.
Also present at the event were the Permanent Secretary,
Ministry of Women Affairs, Mrs. Omotayo Olatiilu, State Women Leader, People's
Democratic Party (PDP), Hon. Folasade Akinrinmola, National President, Market
Women, Chief (Mrs.) Waye Oso, Oloris, amongst other key figures in the State.
The convening concluded with a renewed commitment to
advancing women's political participation and leadership in Ekiti State and
Nigeria at large.
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