International Women’s Day: ZLP urges women to participate in politics

By Christiana Ekpa

The Zenith Labour Party (ZLP) felicitated with Nigerian women on the occasion of this year’s International Women’s Day, even as it enjoined women to join politics.

The party said Nigerian women have played major roles in the development of the country before and after Independence in 1960, adding that the nation is yet to harness women potentials due to archaic stereotypes, discrimination and bias against the womenfolk.

A statement issued yesterday by the National Woman Leader of the party, Chinyere Oge Kalu, ZLP said women need to break the barriers and enthrone a gender equal world, free of bias and discrimination.

“This is the message of this year’s Women’s Day, to create a world that’s diverse, equitable and inclusive in tandem with the United Nations General Assembly which proclaimed March 8 as the United Nations Day for Women’s rights and world peace in 1977.

“Today, we celebrate the achievements and contributions of women in different spheres and work towards building a society free of all gender biases, stereotypes, gender parity and discrimination as we make the world a better place to live.

“Women are adorable Peace Ambassadors. The world would mean nothing without women. Their courage that exists in perfect harmony with amazing tenderness saves the world everyday. Women bear the brunt of arm conflicts and wars. We therefore demand an end to the ongoing war between Russia and Ukraine. Both sides should embrace peace to save innocent lives.

“ZLP calls on Nigerian women to participate actively in politics by obtaining their voter cards, vie for elective offices and vote for candidates of their choice in all elections. Nigerian women’s voice must be heard loud and clear in all elections”, the party said.

ZLP therefore urged governments at all levels to enact gender friendly laws, formulate and implement policies that will encourage women to maximize their potentials.

It further called on the Federal Government to effectively tackle insecurity and ensure the release of all students and other innocent Nigerians abducted by terrorists across the country and bring the perpetrators and their sponsors to book.