NGO advocates for more women inclusion in politics

A non governmental organization, the Hope For Family Development Initiative (HFDI), has called for increased participation of women in politics.

This was the focal point at the stakeholders engagement and town hall meeting held in Ikere-Ekiti, Ekiti State organised by the NGO and supported by the German Federal Foreign Office through the Institut für Auslandsbeziehungen (ifa) Zink Funding Programme.

The forum emphasized the need for more female elected candidates in the Southwest region of Nigeria.

The HFDI Programme Director, Falana Adeola, emphasized the need for gender parity in politics, saying women’s participation in politics is crucial for sustainable development and inclusive governance.

“It is our matter and we want to find solutions together. We need your support, and that is why we have invited you all here. There are issues there are things concerning this, situation, what are those things? This is why we are here. We are not supporting any political parties we are concerned with women participation.”

One of the facilitators ,Olajumoke Omisore the Ekiti State Chairperson for Coalition of Civic Education in Nigeria and Hope for Family Development Initiative stressed the need for women to always support one another in politics and leadership

In his remarks the Acting Chairman Christian Association of Nigeria, CAN, Ikere-Ekiti Local Government, Evangelist Hezekiah Olaogbesibcbikam, noted that, women fear political participation because they suffer sexual harassment from political class and this is discouraging, thereby encouraging continues efforts to restore sanity.

The Chairman who was represented by Evangelist Afolabi Ebenezer commended the programme, saying the importance of women’s representation in politics to promote gender equality and inclusive decision-making.

Pointing out issues hindering women’s engagement in politics, Deaconess Ogunjemilua Mojisola popular known as Iya Oni gele said, “We see women betraying women, and we need to be united. If the federal government can create a women’s political party I think it would work for the good.”

The event brought together various stakeholders, including women leaders, political parties, and civil society organizations, to discuss strategies.

In attendance are representatives of IPAC,INEC,NAO,WOWICAN CAN,IYALOJAS,NOA,NEPWAN,NAWOJ,JONAPWD,FOWAN,NYC among others.

Participants reiterated the crucial role of women in political decision-making processes for achieving inclusive governance and sustainable development.

Stakeholders identified various challenges faced by female candidates, including societal stereotypes, cultural barriers, limited access to resources, and gender-based violence.

Strategies such as capacity building, mentorship programs, advocacy for gender-sensitive policies, and community mobilization were discussed as effective means to overcome the barriers hindering women’s political participation.