Stakeholders Seek Women Inclusion In Politics

Stakeholders have underscored the need for women to be included in governance and politics for societal and national growth.

They spoke at a town hall meeting organised by Justice, Development and Peace Maker Center (JDPMC), in Osogbo, Osun State capital, to stop Violence Against Woman in Politics.

The stakeholders argued that embracing gender equity is not a favour to women, insisting that it would benefit the nation socially, politically and economically.
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Those who spoke at the meeting which was broadcast live are the Traditional ruler, Religious leaders, among others

They charged the government at all levels on the need to integrate more women into governance of the Nation.

In is welcome address, the General Coordinator, Justice Development and Peace Makers Centre, Osogbo, Rev. Peter Akinkunmi, said a Nation needs women in Political positions in order to develop.

He said; “We are here to deliberate on our future and how to bring about good governance in our society. The United Nations has said woman must occupy at least 35 percent position in government if we are to witness true democracy.

“Any Nation that want to develop must have woman occupying various positions in the administration of such country”.

In his own view, the Olokebode of Okebode, Oba Ezekiel Adeniran, maintained that the number of women involved in Nigeria Politics is low compared to other countries in the world.

Oba Adeniran who described Nigeria women as ‘women voter’ urges them to seek elective positions, adding that they have potentials and capable to lead.

His word: “The percentage of women in politics in Nigeria is too low compared to other countries around the world.

“We have a lot of women who are capable and have potential to hold elective and appointment positions but unfortunately, Nigeria women are voters who don’t contest for elective positions.

“I want to urge our women to participate more in politics and contest for elective positions. I want to also urged the government to make the appointment of more women into governance a priority”.

The Olori of Ipetu Ile, Olori Adetokunbo Falade Fatila, in his own contribution said women are facing a lot of challenges when it comes to participating in election.

She maintained that until electorate started electing people without considering their gender, the country will cease to progress.

She said: “There was a time I wanted to contest for Councillor in my area due to the problems being faced by my fellow women in the community. I made my intention known and people were in support of me.

“Along the line, some men during a meeting told me people like me shouldn’t be involved in politics, saying those in politics are thief. They also claim that politicians are rogues.

“Those are part of what they are using to scare the women away. Until we understand that we have to elect the person who really care for us irrespective of the gender, that is when we can witness real progress. Without women in governance, there won’t be progress in such government”.

Olori Fatila appealed t women to rise up and fight the menace of violence against them.

“As a woman, if we see another woman who was maltreated, we should be able to rise up and fight on behalf of that woman to demand justice. This is time for us to come together and fight the menace of violence against women”.