PRESS RELEASE

As Nigerians prepare and await the 2023 general elections, Nigerian women seeking to contest gathered at Sheraton Hotels Abuja on Tuesday for the 2022 Women Aspirants Summit themed “Women Working Together for A Democratic Nigeria” The summit focused on the need to promote an enabling environment for women to fully participate as candidates in the 2023 elections. It looked at strategic methods of raising funds, increasing media visibility and the implications of the amended electoral acts on women’s political participation.

Blessing Obidegwu Director INEC, Gender and Inclusivity Department analysed the amended electoral acts and urged participants to leverage on and ensure full participation at the 2023 general elections. Obidegwu urged the female aspirants to get their permanent voters card and vote for women’s voices to be heard.

Fund Raising for electioneering which is a major barrier to women’s participation in politics was addressed by Ibijoke Faborode founder Electher. Faborode urged aspirants to leverage on their social circles and recognize opportunities as fundraising is not just about money but networking which is key in ensuring the success of a candidate.

The media was identified as critical partners female politicians must continually engage with to stay relevant. Moji Makanjuola, a veteran broadcaster urged the aspirants to continually seek platforms that will project and help them to connect with people in their constituencies. Makanjuola tasked the aspirants to regularly engage the media on topical issues as this is essential in creating an image to the people. Anike-ade Funke Treasure a broadcast administrator advised the aspirants on regular engagement with women at grassroots, to partner with women in media and ensure that they remain relevant in the media space.

Former minister for Women Affairs Iyom Josephine Anenih and Rt. Hon. Elizabeth Ativie former speaker Edo State House of Assembly spoke on Inter and Intra Political Party and emergence of Women. The aspirants were advised to associate themselves with other political parties as it’s detrimental to stick to own party in the name of loyalty as not all favours are returned within the party. Women leaders of Political parties were charged with advancing the course of women through their offices as this is mostly the office allocated to women.

Goodwill messages were given by Women’s Rights and Protection Alternatives, NDI and the US Embassy. They encouraged participants to actively participate in achieving a common goal ahead of the 2023 general elections and advised the aspirants to continue to demand for adequate representation of women in politics when they get into their desired offices.

Toun Okewale Sonaiya CEO Women Radio said Nigeria’s male-dominated National Assembly have spoken that Nigerian women do not matter therefore Nigerian Women have no choice than to commit to be deliberate and intentional in working together to ensure more females emerge as candidates and win elections in 2023. Sonaiya urged women to vote for women, to campaign for women and to fund women. Felicia Onibon of 100 Women Lobby Group appreciated the efforts of Nigerian women in pushing for recognition and their strong will in demanding for the passage of the gender bills and urge the women not to relent in their efforts. Ebere Ifendu President Women in Politics Forum commended Nigerian Women for their unity during the occupation of the National Assembly against the rejection of the gender bills and urged the women to utilise all information learnt at the summit.
Mufuliat Fijabi, CEO Nigerian Women Trust Fund urged women not to be exhausted until inclusive governance is achieved in Nigeria. Fijabi called on all critical stakeholders especially the National Assembly to pass laws that will enhance inclusive political participation in Nigeria while emphasising that at truly democratic practice is founded on women’s active involvement in governance. She encouraged Nigerian women to register and get their PVCs to enable them to vote during the election.

The participants who include female aspirants for positions ranging from councillors, state house of assembly, house of reps, senate, governorship and presidency had the opportunity to ask questions and learn from critical stakeholders in the political space. The female aspirants who came from the six geopolitical zones connected and reached a consensus to work together irrespective of their political parties for a truly representative democratic Nigeria.

The 2022 Women Aspirants Summit was jointly organised by Nigerian Women Trust Fund, Women in Politics Forum, 100 Women Lobby Group and the Voice of Women and supported by the Macarthur Foundation.

Signed
Esther Alaribe
Tuesday 29 March 2022