The Media Women Forum workshop with a theme, “Mobilizing Women for Politics”, has ended with calls by guest speakers and panel of discussants for Nigerian women to be effectively involved and participate in politics.
A presidential candidate under the KOWA party, Prof. Remi Sonaiya observed that men feel threatened by the presence of women in leadership positions.
“Some men feel that having women in leadership positions will be achieved at their own expense. That brings a certain degree of resistance;” adding that “women should rise above any form of discouragement and strive to make a difference.”
On her part, the Public Affairs Officer at the United States Consulate, Darcy Zotter gave an insight into the struggle of women in politics in the United States and pointed at how that could influence women in politics in Nigeria.
“We recognize that first and foremost, women are not encouraged to run. More so, women rights are human rights.”
Corroborating Zotter’s view, Hajia Adiza Umoru said women were not encouraged. “Given the 35% affirmative action for women in Nigeria, that seems to be abandoned. The policy demands 35 percent involvement in all governance processes.
She lamented that Nigerian women were marginalized in democratization process, saying, “In spite of the fact that many women are literate, they still hold less than five percent of important decision making positions in the country.”
Remi Adikwu who observed that there was “clear lopsided membership of the legislators in favour of men,” charged more women to become effectively involved in politics.
The Publicity Secretary of Afenifere, Yinka Odumakin believes that women should be actively involved in politics and position themselves for leadership roles.
A member of the panel of discussion, Victor Okhai asked women to raise the cause of women by motivating, sensitizing and creating adequate awareness for women to take leadership positions.
Statistics show that women are grossly underrepresented in the legislative and executive arms of government across the country. For instance out of 109 senators in Nigeria, only nine are women and 27 out of 360 House of Representatives members, are women.
Established to champion the cause of women, motivate them to be active agents of change in their communities and empower women live quality lives, the Media Women Forum also encourages government and individuals to take positive actions on issues affecting women.
It is largely made up of female media executives who hold decision making positions and seasoned broadcasters.
