Women participation and representation in politics and decision-making in Nigeria has been described as very low.
Speaking during a workshop in Kaduna, Mr Leslie B. Dongh Stated that women are disadvantaged by factors like lack of legislative framework, absence of mechanisms to unite women in politics irrespective of party affiliation among others .
He mentioned that only five countries of the world had 50% or more of female participation in National Parliament namely , Cuba, Ruwanda, Nicaragua, Mexico and the united Arab Emirates.
Mr. Dongh charged participants to change the narrative by equiping themselves with the right knowledge and available resources , urging them not to settle for the typical appointed positions but work hard towards engaging and participating in elective positions also .
The women politcal empowerment in Nigeria project by Dinidari Africa Foundation , seeks to create a network of women politcal leaders and key partners working to support a reversal of the low representation of women in politics.
According to Dinidari Africa, Women political representation currently stands at 7.9 % and 3.6% in the Senate and house of representatives respectively which is the lowest for sub -saharan africa .
Stating that the last two political cycles have seen a regression in the numbers which in 2015 stood at 6.4 and 6.7 both in the higher and lower houses of assembly.
The Foundation in collaboration with United Nations women and the Norwegian Embassy works with political parties to mitigate low representation of women in politcal decision-making processes by creating and adopting a gender -responsive work plan for political parties and canvassing for establishment of women’s wings in politcal parties .
Project assistant , Sonia Yusuf expressed hope that the work plan developed during the workshop will be put into practice by the participants and all political parties to uphold the 35% affirmative action for women.
Participants Expressed gratitude for the platform and the knowledge gained, while the youngest of them , 18years old miss Vera Paul Akut is optimistic she’ll be a voice for her generation and a role model for her peer group in politics .
In attendance were Women politicians in Kaduna drawn from all political parties , president of interparty….. Hon. Aisha Sabin Gari, women leaders of political parties among others.
COV/LILIAN SILAS