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From Fred, Ezeh
The European Union (EU) has urged political parties to adopt robust measures and strategies that would encourage increased women’s participation and representation in their internal activities, and proper governance system.
It noted that the active participation of women at all levels of decision-making and politics is essential to the achievement of equality, sustainable development, peace, and democracy.
A statement from the EU indicated that the EU Ambassador to Nigeria and ECOWAS, Samuela Isopi, gave the charge at the Women in Parliament Summit in Abuja, as part of events to commemorate the International Women’s week, organised by the European Union Support to Democratic Governance in Nigeria (EU-SDGN), with the theme: inspiring inclusion: policy mechanisms for gender parity in politics.
She stressed the need for political parties to review and reform all policy documents, notably, constitutions, manifestos, party rules, and procedures and strategy documents to incorporate national and international norms and obligations on gender equality.
She said, “The ongoing 1999 constitution reform process presents an opportunity to adopt an inclusive legal framework that promotes equal participation of all Nigerians regardless of gender, ethnicity, age and disability status.
“In Nigeria, the advocacy for women’s political participation has been long drawn, and in spite of the very dynamic interventions by women’s groups and other key stakeholders, their representation is in steady decline. For example, women’s representation in the 10th National Assembly is 7.4 percent out of 469 combined seats in the Senate and House of Representatives.
“There has been no woman elected Governor in Nigeria’s 25 years of democracy, and the percentage of women appointed to political positions still falls significantly short compared to men. I am not quoting these figures to make it seem impossible, but to show that it is indeed possible.
“It is recognised that political parties are the ‘real gatekeepers’ on women’s political empowerment. If the political parties institutionalise gender equality measures and transform from within, it will have a direct impact on women’s equal participation and representation in Nigeria.”
Ambassador Isopi urged political parties to set women’s representation in their decision-making bodies such as the National Executive Councils and directorates for elections at not less than 30 percent, which is regarded as the critical figure for women to have any influence.
“The political culture in Nigeria is underpinned by patriarchy and the ‘unwritten’ rules on male privilege within political parties. Oftentimes, only women whose husband support them or have a legacy of family political activism make it to the top.
“On our own part, gender equality and women’s rights are a top priority of the EU. We have developed a variety of approach to support women’s political participation. Efforts are also focused on women in politics, women as candidates, and women as voters, as well as in electoral observation,” she said.
Princess Miriam Onuoha, Chairperson, House Committee on TETFund, in her submissions said, “we could move away from conventional advocacies and campaign points to non-conventional advocacies such as appeals to our traditional institutions, faith-based organisations, wherein these advocacies will stem from our cultural heads. They should pick a female candidate and sponsor such a person.
Mrs. Marie Ebikake, Member of House of Representatives from Nembe/Brass Federal Constituency at the National Assembly, added, “I have been in this game of politics for 44 years. I am a grassroots woman. I believe that, first, women must have the passion for this game called politics. You must come out to show your interest from the grassroots.
“Women, beyond conferences and addresses, must face the practicality of the game. Don’t be afraid of any man. When we face the practicality of this game called politics, you will enjoy it and make a meaningful impact in the lives of people. Be upright; integrity is very important.”
In her remarks, Cynthia Mbamalu, Director of Programmes, Yiaga Africa, called for governmental action to ensure the amendment of the constitution to increase women representation. “We need intentional efforts that can be taken to ensure legislative reforms, specifically, constitutional amendments that can increase women representation.”
Vaneza Udegbe Gregory, Programme Lead, Nigerian Women Trust Fund (NWTF), encouraged the women to overcome the barriers that hinder their political participation and create a more inclusive political environment in Nigeria.
