Enugu — Women from the South East states of Anambra, Enugu, and Ebonyi have renewed calls for equal representation of women in leadership positions, stressing the need for Nigeria to implement policies that promote gender inclusion in governance.
They made the call in separate interviews with the Voice of the People (VOP) in Enugu, Abakaliki, and Awka, as part of activities marking Nigeria’s 65th Independence Anniversary.
The Executive Director of Heroine Women Foundation, Mrs. Onyinye Mamah, said she has consistently advocated for equitable representation of women in leadership and politics, describing the proposed Reserved Seats Bill as one of the most progressive legislative initiatives in recent times.
“For years, we have been hammering on the inclusion of women in politics. When a few women get involved, it appears as a favour. What we seek is full inclusion where women are properly represented in decision-making,” Mamah said.
She added that reserved seats would create fair competition and expand women’s opportunities to serve.
“If women are given the chance to contest within those reserved seats and win, the fight against poverty and inequality will be greatly strengthened,” she added.
Similarly, the Enugu State Coordinator of the League of Women Voters, Mrs. Nnenna Anozie, urged women to enhance their skills and capacities to become more relevant and effective contributors to national development.
“The time has passed when women allowed others to determine their destinies. Women must take active roles in politics and governance,” she said, adding that women in Enugu have fared well under the current administration.
She encouraged women to aspire to political and professional positions that would enable them to better respond to citizens’ needs.
In Anambra State, the Commissioner for Women Affairs and Child Welfare, Mrs. Ify Obinabo, said it was time women received their due recognition in national leadership.
“Gender percentage should not be a barrier to performance. Women have proven capable at all levels,” she said, citing trailblazers such as Ngozi Okonjo-Iweala, Oby Ezekwesili, and the late Prof. Dora Akunyilias examples of women who have made Nigeria proud globally.
Also speaking, Mrs. Grace Anagor, a community leader in Anambra, said even women with little formal education contribute meaningfully to governance through wisdom and native intelligence.
“At 65, it would be good news if Nigeria passed a law reserving a percentage of political offices for women,” she said.
Meanwhile, the Coordinator of the Recover Nigeria Project, Mr. Osita Obi, a civil society leader and human rights activist, said women’s participation in politics is vital but argued against special treatment.
“Women should not be given preferential opportunities. The focus should be on competence and credibility because what a man can do, a woman can often do even better,” he said.
In Ebonyi State, the Chairperson of the Federation of Women Lawyers (FIDA), Mrs. Oluchukwu Ike-Odeh, urged the National Assembly to prioritise the Reserved Seats Bill, describing it as a transformative step towards equality.
“If passed, the bill will reshape Nigeria’s political landscape and ensure fair representation. Women are gifted and their contributions cannot be overlooked,” she said.
Similarly, Mrs. Ngozi Ebenyi, a women’s rights advocate, highlighted that women constitute a significant portion of Nigeria’s workforce and contribute immensely to household income and the national economy.
“Women play a vital role in sustaining families and communities. Greater political inclusion will only amplify their impact on national growth,” she said.
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