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From Femi Folaranmi, Yenagoa
Ahead of the November 11 off-cycle governorship elections in Bayelsa state, the International Federation of Women Lawyers (FIDA) and the Canadian Fund for Local Initiatives (CFLI) have held a capacity workshop aimed at stopping violence against women.
Speaking at the workshop tagged: A One- Day Capacity Building Workshop for Community Leaders on Prevention & Response to Violence Against Women in Elections in Bayelsa” FIDA Nigeria Country’s Vice President/ National President, Mrs Amina Agbaje reeling out data lamented the low level of women participation in Nigeria politics.
According to her, despite appreciable progress made over the years, it is no encouraging news for women as the low participation has had adverse effects on the democratic project.
Mrs Agbaje represented by Chairperson FIDA Bayelsa, Mrs Deme Debra Pamasoo rued Nigeria’s low scorecard on women political empowerment which is one of the lowest globally, stressing that the aim of the workshop is to reverse the trend by enhancing women participation in politics.
She seized the opportunity to commend the CFLI for providing the needed support to ensure the success of the workshop.
‘’It is on this premise that this capacity building workshop is being organized towards enhancing women and women with disabilities’ participation and representation in politics and governance in Bayelsa State through the 2023 Bayelsa Off-Cycle Gubernatorial Elections.
‘’Therefore, this workshop will equip community leaders with the required knowledge in identifying issues that trigger violence against women in elections towards forestalling their participation at the November 11, 2023 off-cycle Governorship Election. The workshop also aims at establishing referral pathways between the communities and Leading security agencies in providing effective response to violence perpetrated against women while building a community protection system for indigenous women and vulnerable population of Bayelsa State.’’
The programme officer, Mr Ifeanyi Eze who also commended CFLI for the support expressed optimism that the workshop would equip community leaders with the needed skills to curb triggers of violence against women.
He noted that the workshop will go a long way to prepare community leaders as influencers and custodians of traditional institutions to see how they can encourage women participation and reduce any form of trigger of violence against women.
Pamosso in an interview while commending CFLI for the support expressed optimism that the participants after the programme are better placed to help curb violence against women in their domains.
“I want to thank FIDA Nigeria and CFL for supporting us technically on this workshop on how to stop violence against women. This is a welcome development. This would make the participants go to their various communities to sensitive the people and ensure there is zero violence against women in the election.”
One of the participants, a first class traditional ruler, HRM Dimaro Charles Owaba, Obonobhan of Ogbia Kingdom described the workshop as timely which is crucial to enhance women participation in politics as well as curb violence as the female gender.
