A three-day conference of coalition of civil organisations in Nigeria has called for more opportunities for women in politics and governance in the present political dispensation and beyond.
The conference organised by ‘The Girls Democracy Convening’ also known as the #SheVotesToo Campaign, is a collaboration led by Girls Get Equal Platform in Nigeria, Activista Nigeria and youth groups and associations across the country.
It was attended by girls, young women and youths from diverse backgrounds along with girl rights activists, women and young politicians, and development experts under the theme: “Amplifying Girls’ Voices For Inclusive Governance.”
In her speech, the country director of Women In Politics, Dr Ebere Ifendu, said the main objective of the gathering is to create an inclusive dialogue platform for addressing key issues affecting girls, young women and youths and to develop a democratic Charter of Demand that advocates for the rights and welfare of young Nigerians.
She added that it is also to co-create a citizen scorecard and monitoring matrix to evaluate government commitments and implementation.
She said the conference is expected to develop the Girls Democracy Charter of Demand, a robust document driving future advocacy efforts and to formulate persuasive advocacy messages to promote girls’ and youths’ inclusion in government.
She pointed out that #SheVotesToo Campaign emerged in response to the need for inclusive governance and meaningful political participation for girls, young women, and youths. She said despite recent progress, gaps in gender-aligned policies and political commitment persist.
