The Women Situation Room Nigeria (WSRN) has advocated the involvement of more women in formulating policies, both in the private and public sectors, to achieve adequate representation and fast-track development in Nigeria and Africa.
The founder of the organisation, Prof. Joy Onyesoh, made the call at a one-day capacity-building training for the media, organised by WSRN, in partnership with UN Women and Canadian Government, recently in Calabar, Cross River, Nigeria.
According to Onyesoh, deliberate measures must be put in place to ensure women occupy positions of authority. She urged the media to help change negative narratives, especially concerning women’s political participation. She added that women face challenges, including inadequate finance to match their male counterparts in the system.
In the same vein, one of the resource persons at the event, Mrs Diana Mary Nsan, said all hands must be on deck to protect women vying for political positions in Nigeria.
Speaking on the topic: “Effective gender reporting through understanding the dynamics of SGBY and VAWIP in elections,” she regretted that women’s concerns are not adequately addressed in governance structures in Nigeria and called for a change.
Sharing her experience as a former House of Assembly candidate in Cross River State, the radio presenter said women should be given a sense of belonging in all facets of governance instead of the usual stereotyping, bashing and discouragement from some Nigerians.
Another resource person and a journalist, Mr Edem Darlington, called for a legal framework as practised in other African countries, including Rwanda, to ensure full participation of women in governance.
Edem, who decried challenges before every woman, said he believed in the capacity of an average Nigerian woman to lead if given the opportunity.
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