INEC, NAWOJ Advocate Increased Women’s Participation In Politics, Elections

The Nigeria Association of Women Journalists (NAWOJ) has said it is intensifying efforts to ensure that women in both rural and urban communities actively participate in the 2027 general elections as part of moves to break gender barriers in politics.

The chairperson of the association, Hajiya Rashida Yusuf, disclosed this during a one-day capacity-building workshop on election guidelines and procedures held at the NUJ Secretariat in Bauchi yesterday.

Rashida Yusuf explained that the training was organised to equip women journalists with adequate knowledge of electoral procedures and strengthen their capacity to report election processes effectively.

She said NAWOJ organised the workshop in partnership with the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) and the Bauchi State chapter of the League of Women Voters of Nigeria (NILOWN).

According to her, about 20 women journalists drawn from print, broadcast and online media organisations across Bauchi State participated in the training.

The NAWOJ chairperson urged participants to make effective use of the knowledge gained by raising awareness of voter registration and civic participation, noting that women now play active roles before, during, and after elections.

In her presentation, the Gender Officer of INEC in Bauchi State, Mrs Naomi Yusuf, reaffirmed the commission’s commitment to collaborating with journalists to promote public awareness of voter registration, the collection of Permanent Voter’s Cards (PVCs), and the retrieval of unclaimed voter cards.

Naomi commended NAWOJ and NILOWN for organising the initiative, describing it as a step that would further encourage women’s participation in politics and other electoral activities.

Also speaking, the Chairperson of the League of Women Voters of Nigeria (NILOWN), Bauchi State Chapter, Hajiya Zainab Muhammad, called on women to actively participate in politics and electoral activities to help address gender-based violence and other barriers limiting women from occupying political offices, especially ahead of the 2027 general elections.