Nigeria Association of Women Journalists (NAWOJ), has called on Presidential and Governorship flagbearers of all political parties in the country to give women sense of belonging in the 2023 general elections by choosing female running mates.
Acting Chairperson of NAWOJ, Enugu State chapter, Comrade Ngozi Ngene, made the call at a press conference on “Women Inclusion in 2023 Electioneering Process’ held at the NUJ Press Centre, Enugu, on Wednesday.
She commended all political parties for their successful conventions and elections of their flag bearers at all levels. She also thanked the President of the Nigeria Association of Women Journalists, Comrade Ladi Bala for her support.
Ngene, while appluading the electioneering process, observed ” the need for a gender-sensitive representation in the entire political equation, saying that “this has become imperative.”
“This programme marks an important milestone in the 2023 electioneering process and it is also of great significance to the development of our nation, Nigeria, and the promotion of women in the center of the affairs of the state.
“A woman is a full circle. Within her is the power to create, nurture and transform. I believe that if a woman is taken as a running mate, she would invest in everyone to make the economy beneficial to all.
“Also, if it applies, there would be even development. It is known fact to state that without women inclusion , poverty can never be eliminated to the minimal.
I strongly believe that her influence would save our country Nigeria.
By the grace of God Almighty, there is no limit to what we, as women can accomplish.
“It is against this backdrop that the Association, NAWOJ, hereby appeals to political parties, in the interest of an inclusive society, to consider picking a woman as running mate to the offices of the president and governors of the respective States.
“It is worrisome to note that rumours making the rounds are suggestive of male candidates being considered by political parties for the office of vice president . This posture will not only negate the contribution of women to nation-building but, also endanger inclusive governance in Nigeria where all demography indicate the need for a sense of belonging and giving equal opportunity for females to serve at the higher levels.”, she said.
Ngene noted that ” time has come for the promotion of gender equality in political leadership in Nigeria to be accorded the center stage particularly as we head to the 2023 General Elections, to help reposition the country and properly situate it in its pride of place and position, as the giant of Africa, not only in size, but in involvement in global discourse’.
She urged women to get their permanent voters card(PVC) and cast their votes for only candidates who picked female running mates. She also called on journalists and media organizations in the country to rise to the occasion of setting the agenda for more inclusive governance in Nigeria.
Speaking at the event, the Enugu State chairperson of the Nigeria Federation Of Women Lawyers Enugu(FIDA)Barrister Ngozi Onyia, noted that women’s inclusion in politics cannot be over emphasised.She urged women to make the move. “Let our leaders hear so that our women will be included in governance.”
On the 35 per cent affirmative sought by women, Onyia said, “We are devaluing ourselves for asking for 35per cent affirmative action . Even the 35 per cent is not here.” She urged women to rise and and fight for their right, ‘ there is need for women inclusion, it’s our right” ,Onyia said.
In their separate remarks, the chairperson of League of Women Voters of Nigeria, Enugu chapter, Nnenna Anozie, the General manager, Coal City FM, Joy Obiluleta , A NAWOJian and Human Rights Activist, Comrade Onyeka Udegbunam, the Vice chairman of the Nigeria Bar Association (NBA,), Barrister Chinyere Chiaha, the State Director of the National Orientation Agency(NOA), Ifeyinwa Callister Ugwu represented by Chiebonam Ugwu and the first female Councillor in Udi local government area ,Enugu State and a NAWOJian, Hon. Ngozi Ugwu , spoke strongly for women’s inclusion in governance. They urged women to love and support each other, get their PVCs and vote for female candidates and candidates who chose female deputies.
In his Goodwill message, the chairman of the Nigeria Union of Journalists (NUJ), Enugu State council, Comrade Sam Udekwe, commended NAWOJ for the event. Udekwe, who was represented by the Vice Chairman , Comrade Regis Anikworji encouraged women to support one another. He observed that “nobody gets power on a platter of gold'”. He therefore urged women to come together
, “If you come together, if you have that peace, you will have barganing power”. He assured support for women’s in inclusion in governance.
The NUJ secretary, Comrade Emma Acha, UJ Assistant Secretary and former NAWOJ chairperson , Comrade Ifeoma Amuta and former NAWOJ ex-officio,Comrade May Ukachukwu were among the participants at the event.
