Women’s Representation In Politics Extremely Poor – Vilita Bashir

The director-general, National Centre for Women Development (NCWD), Dr Asbestos Vilita-Bashir has decried poor women representation in politics in Borno State and Nigeria in general.

Dr Vilita-Bashir stated this on Friday in Maiduguri during the launching of a resource centre organised by NCWD in collaboration with the United Nations Women to promote women’s political engagement and advancement as well as mentorship for aspiring female politicians in Borno State.

She said the centre would serve as a hub that provides opportunity for female politicians to access information and knowledge products, electronic equipment, internet facilities, counselling and contacts that would enhance female productivity for effective participation in politics.

“It is no news that women’s representation in Nigerian politics has been on a downward slide since 2011, and extremely low in Borno State.

“The resource centre is being launched to complement the current administration in its pursuit to advance women in politics and governance in Nigeria.

“This resource centre in Maiduguri is the third to be launched. The first was launched on November 14, 2022 at the Maryam Babangida National Centre for Women Development (MBNCWD) Abuja, while the second was launched on July 12, 2023 in Calabar at the Cross River State Ministry of Women Affairs.

“As we celebrate this centre, we continue to appreciate the UN Women for their decision to partner with the MBNCWD on this initiative and the Canadian government for their huge support so far, she said.

UN Women country representative in Nigeria, Beatrice Eyong, said the United Nations had been at the forefront of global efforts to promote gender equality and women participation in governance.

She explained that launching the centre in Maiduguri signified its shared commitment towards advancing women’s participation in politics in the North-East region and urged the Borno State Ministry of Women Affairs to promote generational gender equality for women empowerment.