Bauchi stakeholders express concern over low women’s participation in politics
By Ahmed Ahmed
A cross-section stakeholders in Bauchi state’s political arena have raised concern over the poor involvement and low-level participation of women in political activities and governance.
Our correspondent reports that their various comments were voiced out at a one-day state level engagement held in Bauchi, on Thursday.
The activity was organised by Fahimata Women and Youth Development Initiative with funding provided by ActionAid Nigeria.
Participants were drawn from political parties, women’s groups, government, Civil Society Organizations, among others.
Alhaji Adamu Umar, Director, National Orientation Agency (NOA), said that the agency had created awareness on political participation, yet women were still behind.
“Women do not actively participate in the democratic process in the country, hence their cultural, religious, economic and political status remains their challenge,” he said.
Alhaji Mohammed Tilde, Vice Chairman, Caretaker Committee, All Progressive Congress (APC), observed that women’s representation in the National Assembly was equally low.
He urged women to vie for elective positions, so as to ensure that policies affecting the womenfolk were brought to the front burner.
On her part, Hajiya Hafsat Adamu, Women’s Leader, Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) in Bauchi, urged women to end their rivalry and support each other for positive development.
Mr Naomi Yusuf, Gender Officer, Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), in Bauchi state, said that women should prioritise support for women so as to be on board.
She also said that progress in women’s participation in politics would actualised with the adoption of appropriate policies and legal reforms.
Earlier, Mrs Daniels Florence, The Programme officer, Fahimta Woman and Youth Development Initiative, said that the meeting aimed to create a forum that would advocate for women’s participation in governance, as well as in seeking leadership positions.
