NAWOJ Urges Women to Take Active Part in Politics for National Development

By Joy Richardson 

The Nigeria Association of Woman Journalists Association, (NAWOJ) in collaboration with Nigeria League of Women Voters (NILOWV) and Women in Politics Forum (WIPF) have charged women to be active in political activities in Nigeria to ensue national development.

The National Chairperson of NAWOJ,Comrade Aisha Ibrahim stated this at a town hall meeting held in Benin City, Edo State.

Comrade Ibrahim who was represented by Zonal Vice Chairperson, Zone D, Chizoba Ogbeche, highlighted the project’s five-year mission to equip local organizations with the necessary skills to address issues affecting women in politics.

She encouraged women to leverage on the lessons from the sensitization program to enhance their political involvement in Nigeria.

The one-day town hall meeting, which was supported by Women Voice and Leadership Project (WVL) and ACTIONAID Nigeria was funded by Global Affairs, Canada, brought together women from various Civil Society Organizations, Professional Women Group’s and Association, had the Theme: Engaging Grassroots Women for Robust Political Participation.

INEC Resident Electoral Commission, Mr. Austin Okojie represented by the Public Affairs Officer of the Commission
Toyin Olayiwola, shed light on the commission’s efforts to ensure gender involvement, including the establishment of Gender Desks in all states and training officers on women’s issues.

He noted the low percentage of women in elective offices and reiterated INEC’s commitment to adopting gender-friendly policies and reserving quotas for women in administrative roles.

Barr. Faith Obasuyi from Women in Politics, emphasized that poverty remains a significant barrier to democracy and advocated for economic empowerment for women.

She urged gender-based and civil society organizations to negotiate with the government for platforms that support women’s empowerment and increased governance participation.

Chairperson of the Nigerian League of Women Voters, Edo State, Anthonia Asagba encouraged women to be driven by ideas and actively participate in politics.

The Chairman of NUJ, Edo State Council, Comrade Festus Alenkhe, represented by the Secretary, Comrade Andy Egbon, stressed the necessity of women’s involvement in nation-building, stating that no nation is complete without women’s participation in politics and governance.

Joining the National Chairperson of NAWOJ to welcome participants were Stella Macaulay, Vice Chairperson of NAWOJ Zone F commended Grassroots Women for their resilience and tasked government at all tiers to focus on poverty reduction and empowerment of women and families.

Earlier in her welcome remarks, Chairperson, NAWOJ Edo State, Comrade Adesuwa Ehimuan, tasked women to participate actively in politics and governance. She said: “I encourage us all to be political actors rather than spectators. Come out enmasse and exercise your civic right. Kindly also stop joining in campaigns of calumny against fellow women but team up with them in attaining their political aspirations, which, in the long run will benefit all ,” the Chairperson stated.

The initiative will continue in Ondo State, further promoting women’s political engagement at the grassroots level.