Advocacy for women’s participation in governance came to the front burner yesterday as a group of women operating under the aegis of the National Council for Women Society (NCWS) canvassed the inclusion of more women in high places of authority in Nigeria.
The group advocated for women’s representation in key positions of authority and places of influence to avoid their gender exclusion.
The group made the call during an advocacy visit to the state council of Nigeria Union of Journalists Secretariat, Ernest Etim-Bassey Press Centre in Calabar.
Speaking in commemoration of the International Women’s Day (IWD) celebration, the NWCN Cross River State branch president, Mrs Marjorie Asuquo, said that if women were allowed to participate in policy and decision-making processes, Nigeria would become a better place to live.
Asuquo, who spoke on the theme “Accelerate Action,” described the advocacy as a crucial opportunity for women to raise awareness about their struggles, referencing the Beijing Conference of 1995 as a significant event that spotlighted women’s issues globally.
She stated that in Africa, beyond the Beijing resolutions, there are pressing issues such as HIV and AIDS infections, human trafficking, forced marriage, property grabbing, and female genital mutilation suffered by women.
“These are all important concerns for us at NCWS, which is why we are urging those in power to expedite actions that support women’s rights and help combat poverty and health challenges, making the world a better place for everyone,” the president maintained.
She stated that the group’s advocacy is not limited to more representation in governance but extends to the girl child, recognising that they, too, will grow into womanhood one day.
In his remarks, chairman of Cross River State Council of Nigeria Union of Journalists (NUJ) Archibong Bassey,
reiterated the need for proactive measures towards achieving gender equity, encouraging women to keep breaking barriers to facilitate change.
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