From Abel Leonard, Lafia
Former gubernatorial candidate of Nasarawa State and National Convener of the Tinubu Awareness Movement (TAM), Dr. Fatimah Abdullahi, addressed the issue of women’s participation in politics and governance in Nigeria.
Dr. Abdullahi In a press conference held on Thursday at Nasarawa Luxury Hotel Lafia, expressed concern over the low representation of women in public governance despite the country’s National Gender Policy which provides for 35% of all appointments to be allocated to women.
She cited data that showed a decline in women’s participation in public governance, with only 17% of women in leadership positions currently.
Dr. Abdullahi called for enhanced involvement of women in politics and governance, stating that women’s participation would ensure prudent, transparent, and empathetic leadership, leading to efficient and results-driven performances.
She also highlighted the benefits of having more women in leadership positions, including the diverse set of skills and perspectives they bring, strong structural and cultural enrichment, and measurable impact on an organization’s bottom line.
Dr. Abdullahi called on President-elect Asiwaju Bola Ahmed Tinubu to appoint more women in leadership and decision-making positions, including ministerial positions and heads of agencies and parastatals of government.
She also called on the leadership of the National Assembly to consider legislative candidate quotas for women to encourage their participation in politics and governance. The APC’s National Working Committee was also urged to support women’s participation in politics and governance.
“There is the need for fair access to the political sphere for women, as voters, candidates, and elected officials, and the importance of upholding women’s rights to participate in public life and removing barriers to equal participation.” She added.