Politics
Young women interested in politics have been advised to build political networks ahead of 2019 general elections to ensure increased women participation in governance.
Ms Ireti Kingibe, Leader of All Progressive Congress (APC) in the Federal Capital Territory (FCT) made the call at a workshop in Abuja on Tuesday.
The workshop with “Strengthening Women’s Political Participation: A Dialogue between Young Women and Women Politicians” as theme, was organised by Nigerian Women Trust Fund (NWTF), a Non-Governmental Organisation (NGO).
Kingibe said that young women interested in politics must have passion and vision to be successful irrespective of availability of funds.
She said that in the face of limited funds, young female politicians could become dependable if they engaged the people.
Kingibe said that politics was a journey, not a destination, and encouraged young women not to quit in the face of difficulty or defeat.
“As young women, you must build networks irrespective of political parties and do not underestimate the power of connecting with the minds of the people.
“Young women must be resilient in the face of victimisation and do not succumb to intimidation in the face of pressure.
“Be courageous and firm, learn to settle grievances without violence; partner with other female politicians, maximise female strength and do not try to neutralise one another,” she advised.
The APC stalwart urged NWTF to work on making women popular candidates for various offices ahead of the general elections.
Some of the participants who spoke to News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) said that the workshop had given then a new orientation.
Miss Omolola Ololade said that she now had an understanding contrary to the view that stated that politics was a dirty game and that only “loose women’’ participated in it.
According to her, politics is for women of substance and with politics, women can make the country a better place.
Ololade, therefore, said that it was necessary for women to be in politics if they must be part of decision-making processes in the country.
She said that she had learnt that character and integrity were key elements for a successful career in politics.
Ololade commended NWTF for organising the workshop, saying that it had done well in changing the wrong views popularly held in the society.
She urged the fund to extend the workshop to rural areas for local women and those in schools to benefit.
Miss Joy James, a 27-year-old participant from Edo, said that she was happy to been part of the workshop.
James said that she would share the knowledge acquired at the workshop with other women in her environment.
“I appreciate the organisers of this workshop because they have brought a new light into my life.
“I will make sure the light will shine through me for other young women to benefit and I ask God Almighty to bless them,” she said. (NAN)
– Jun. 26, 2018 @ 13:39 GMT |
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