IWD 2025: Coordinator Office of the First Lady Urges Professional Women Participation in Politics
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IWD 2025: Coordinator Office of the First Lady Urges Professional Women Participation in Politics
By Adesuwa Ehimuan
The Coordinator Office of the First Lady in Edo State, Mrs. Edesili Okpbeholo Anani, hosted an event to commemorate International Women’s Day, emphasizing the need for women’s active participation in politics.
This year event’s theme, “Accelerating Action: Enhancing Women Participation In Politics,” resonated throughout the gathering.
Mrs. Anani stressed that women’s involvement in politics is crucial for a robust democracy, citing research that highlights the benefits of increased female representation in policymaking.
She encouraged women to start at the grassroots level, take charge, and make a positive impact in their communities.
Keynote speaker Dr. Amen Ogbemudia Uhunmwangho emphasized the importance of women’s decision-making roles, while Maria Edeko, Deputy Speaker, Edo House of Assembly advised women to invest time in politics and assert their rights.
Commissioner for Women Affairs and Social Development, Chief Barrister Olabisi Idaomi, urged women to play politics in all aspects of life with boldness .
Adesuwa Ehimuan, Chairperson, Nigeria Association of Women Journalists, NAWOJ emphasized that despite progress, women remain underrepresented in politics due to harmful norms, violence, and stereotypes.
“To address this, we need a law to prevent violence, invest in women’s leadership development, and promote equal participation,” she urged.
“We must challenge patriarchal norms and stereotypes to create a world where women have an equal voice in politics. A world where women can lead, participate, and thrive. We can make this happen, and we must make it happen. Let us accelerate action and enhance women’s participation in politics. Now is the time.”
Meanwhile, Mrs. Irene Akedeno, President of the Medical Women Association Nigeria, stressed the importance of women’s health for active participation in politics. “Women must take control of their health to ensure a healthy lifestyle.
This includes screening for preventable cancers, managing hypertension, and maintaining regular medical check-ups.”
As she aptly put it, “Health is wealth. A healthy mother is a healthy nation, and a healthy nation is a productive nation. As we accelerate action, let us prioritize positive action towards a good lifestyle.”
The event featured panel discussions, awards, and presentations from various women’s organizations, including the Nigeria Association of Women Journalists, Medical Women’s Association of Nigeria, Association of Professional Women Engineers of Nigeria, FIDA Edo State, League of Women Voters of Nigeria ( NILOWV)and StandUp For Women Society,Edo State, Women Optometrist in Nigeria, Edo State, Society of Women in Account SWAN, Edo State, Radio Television Theatre and Arts Workers Union, RATTAWU Edo State.
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