FG Bemoans Low Participation of Women in Leadership Positions

Kuni Tyessi in Abuja

 The federal government has stated that the low participation of women in governance and leadership position, particularly in politics which is far below 50 per cent was unacceptable.

It stressed that such number does not tell the reality of situations, notably that women are about half of the population.

The Permanent Secretary for the Ministry of Women Affairs, Monilola Udoh, who made this known at the two- day dissemination/ sensitisation workshop in the revised 2021- 2026 National Gender Policy for the North Central Geo- political Zone in Abuja, said for Nigeria to thrive, half of its population cannot be left behind.

She said to bride gender social inclusion gaps, among other factors that have mitigated the inclusion of women in leadership and decision processes, states must see to need to domesticate the rights of women which have since been passed into law.

She lamented that many women and girls still faced discrimination on the basis of sex and gender, while reiterating that the trend gave rise to the review of the 2006 National Gender Policy.

“We can never develop if 50 per cent of the population are left behind. Fifty per cent is not representing the reality. We are tired of pet programme. We must be brought into the mainstream.

“The overall goal of the 2021 National Gender Policy is to build a just society in which women, girls, and other vulnerable groups will enjoy the same opportunities, rights, obligations in all spheres of life, devoid of discrimination; where their needs and concerns are mainstreamed equitably into all sectors of National development.

“The strategic objectives of the revised National Gender Policy are to: Bridge gender/social inclusion gaps and achieve parity in all spheres of life Protect women’s human rights and mitigate sexual and gender- based violence, through appropriate buffers and related services.

“Explore and fully harness women’s human capital assets, as a growth driver for national development through women’s economic empowerment.

Advance women’s participation and representation in leadership and governance.

“Support women and girls’ education, lifelong health, survival and sustainable development. Ensure that gender equity concerns are integrated into social protection and complex humanitarian actions, legislation and policies and ensure that socially excluded groups are mainstreamed into development projects and programmes of government.”