The Independent National Electoral Commission INEC has reiterated its resolve to address Gender inequality through aggressive partnerships to get more women to participate actively in the electoral process

 

The INEC Deputy Director in charge of Gender Affairs, Mrs Ndidi Okafor made this known during a Workshop organized by the Commission for stakeholders in Anambra State in conjunction with the Nigerian Women Trust Fund through European Union Support for Democratic Governance in Nigeria in Awka.

Mrs Okafor maintained that the Commission has a written Commitment through updated gender policies from 2021 to 2025 which according to her will not only encourage women’s participation in politics and the electoral process but also will persuade political parties to mainstream Gender in their activities.

 

In a Virtual address, The Chief Executive Officer of the Nigerian Women Trust Fund, Mrs. Mufuliat Fijabi while welcoming all participants said that the Agency has set out objectives that would in the next five years promote Women’s Inclusion in politics and Governance.

A resource Person, Mrs Wandoo Yaji regretted that despite provisions of the Various International Conventions of which the country is part of, Nigerian Women have continued to perform below expectation in politics

 

Earlier in his remarks the Chairman on the Occasion and Traditional Ruler of Umueri, Igwe Ben Emeka admitted that women were being relegated politically and enjoined them to be more political proactive.

The representative of Anambra State Resident Electoral Commissioner and Head of Administration Mr. Sunday Nwegbe said that the commission has always given preference to women in the electoral process

 

The Workshop drew major Stakeholders from, the National Orientation Agency, Traditional Rulers, Religious Leaders Civil Society Organizations and Women Groups including National Association of Women Journalists, NAWOJ.