Women
THE United Nations Women (UN-Women), has called for more women participation in politics and governance across the six geo-political zones of the country.
The Country Representative in Nigeria, Mrs Beatrice Eyong, made the call in Calabar on Thursday at a strategic meeting for women in the South-South region.
Eyong urged women in the region to take steps towards shoring up their relevance within the political system and decision making process in the country.
She said that the meeting was aimed at creating a South-South movement that would step up gender equality and women empowerment.
The country representative said that the forthcoming local government elections in the state offered women an opportunity take up leadership positions.
“We must not wait until 2027, the time to begin is now. We must increase women representation in decision-making.
“Without gender equity we can never have a sustainable development. Let us start with supporting women in the local government elections.
“The test of what we can achieve in 2027 will be a reflection of our achievements in the council elections,” he said.
In his speech, Gov. Bassey Otu of Cross River, commended UN-Women for its roles in sensitising women to participate actively in politics and governance.
Represented by Mr Ekpenyong Akiba, his Special Adviser on Special Duties, Otu said said that gender equality was a fundamental right that should not be treated with levity.
He said that the Cross River Government would continue to evolve policies that would promote women rights.
Also speaking, Dr Ini Adiakpan, the Akwa Ibom, Commissioner of Women Affairs, said that many women still lived below poverty line.
She said that it was important to also support women to invest in farming and other small scale businesses to ensure food security.(NAN)
A.I
July 25, 2024 @ 15: 34 GMT|
Tags: Dr Ini Adiakpan Gov. Bassey Otu Mr Ekpenyong Akiba Mrs Beatrice EYONG United Nations Women
