Janet Awo, founder of Peculiar Teens/Youth Development Foundation (PETFOND), says the outcome of the 2023 General Elections has shown the continuous exclusion of women in politics, despite clamors for improvement in women participation in politics and governance.
In a statement on Monday, the legal practitioner lamented that Nigeria has failed to implement several treaties and statutes it signed, aimed at ensuring women’s inclusion in political participation.
In her words: “Nigeria is a signatory to the 35% Affirmative Action which entails appointive positions for Women to ensure inclusivity.
“The National Gender Policy has formulated a 35% Affirmative Action in Nigeria since 2006, the Policy demands that 35% of Women should be involved in all processes of Governance.
“This Policy is recognized but is not implemented as the right structures and processes are not in place.
“Women make up 49.4% of the entire population and need more than 35% representation in Politics and Governance.
“The implementation of the National Gender Policy from the National level to the State and Local Government levels will lead to a stronger democracy. Women should be considered for political appointments at all levels of Government.
“The demand for an increase in the inclusion of Women in Politics and Governance calls for immediate action. The enforcement of the National Gender Policy through appointive offices would further set an unprecedented feat for Women.”
Awo, who was a House of Assembly candidate in the 2023 elections added that, “Government at all levels must be committed to fully implement the Affirmative Action for Women to achieve Gender Equality.”
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