NGO advocates more women inclusion in leadership of FCTA, others

By Stanley Onyekwere

A Non Governmental Organisation (NGO), the League of Women Voters OF Nigeria (NILOWV), has stressed the need for more inclusion of women and girls in leadership positions in the Federal Capital Territory Administration (FCTA) and other institutions across the country.
This fresh demand was made by the NGO, during its latest advocacy drive to see increased women participation in the country’s political landscape.
Chairperson of NILOWV Abuja chapter, Mrs. Marie Enegwea said the League has identified low participation and inclusion of women in governance in Nigeria, especially in the Federal Capital Territory, hence the call for a change.
Enegwea during the chapter’s advocacy visit to the Sa’peyi of Garki HRH Usman Nga Kupi last week, described the phenomenon as worrisome.
According to her, “presently in our country, the national assembly has a total of 469 lawmakers elected from all 36 states of the federation and the federal capital territory.
“Of the lot, only 18 are women; seven in the Senate and 11 in the House of Representatives, in a country of about 200 million people. This low number indicates a worrisome decline in women participation in politics and leadership positions.”
In his response, the Sa’peyi of Garki HRH Usman Nga Kupi commended the league for looking into the challenges of women in the area of governance.
He noted that, “women carry a larger share of the population. Actually, you are lagging behind as a result of custom. But, education and westernization has come we now have a paradigm shift.
“We have foreseen that women are more travelled and it is important to have that trust in you (women).”
He however advised that the league also take the enlightenment to the womenfolk to always support women.
“What I can appeal is that you should use this forum to talk to women to even talk to their husband’s that politics is not money matter but it’s a matter of service to the nation.
“I willl talk to our men and youth that they should not hinder our women. Women are more trustworthy and it is ideal for us to allow you (women) partake in governance,” he stressed.
He also encouraged the league to include the indigenous women of Abuja in their activities.
In related development, the League paid a visit to Federation of Muslim Women Association of Nigeria (FOMWAN) FCT, Amira Alhaja Bola Usman who admonished women to love, support one another and be ready to take responsibilities, exhibit honesty and transparency.
She opines, “Liberate the women. In the time of Prophet Muhammed, women were given leadership roles depending on their capabilities. So where did the bubble burst? Men see us as a threat.”