#IWD2024: INSPIRE INCLUSION
Michele Bachelet once said, “For me, a better democracy, is a democracy where women do not only have the right to vote and to elect but to be elected.”
Good morning, distinguished party leaders and stakeholders, members of the NWC, members of the BoT, NEC, all party members present, ladies and gentlemen.
It is my honor to welcome you all to this historic event of the International Women’s Day celebration 2024 and lecture. I am delighted that the theme for this year’s celebration; “INSPIRE INCLUSION”, addresses a key issue confronting women globally.
Our sub theme which is ; ‘Supporting Women And Girls Into Political Leadership’ is born out of the dire need and advocacy for adequate female representation in politics.
Women’s equal participation and leadership in politics are one of the keys to the achievement of the sustainable development goals by 2030.
According to the data made available by the UN, as at January 10th of January 2024. there are 26 countries where women serve as Heads of states or government, with only 15 countries out of 195 in the world having a woman as Head of State and 16 having women as head of government which you will all agree is quite poor.
Sadly, despite women being powerful agents of change with proven benefits, they have continued to be under-represented in Politics, and other sectors. The importance of having women in leadership positions cannot be overemphasized as result has shown clearly that Companies and organizations led by women seem to have fared better than their counterparts during times of financial crisis. Having women as leaders and decision-makers at all levels are critical to advancing gender justice, gender equality and furthers economic, social, and political progress for all.
Women have also established themselves as a symbol of unity and cooperation, playing pivotal roles to the survival of a family which is a basic social organization not forgetting to mention that women value accountability. Accountability is an important leadership quality. A leader who understands the value of accountability will not put the onus of any loss or blunder on individuals or members of their team or organization.
POLITICS & IMPORTANCE :
You may ask, ‘why politics’ ? My response will simply be that Politics affords citizens the opportunity to have a say or decide what happens around them and to a large extent the country. Political decisions people make affect them and the lives of many others as every law or policy made, and every decision taken will either yield a positive result or have an adverse negative effect on the people.
While it is important that we continue to advocate for the active participation of women in politics in Nigeria, it is also very key that we imbibe the culture of actively supporting women and girls into leadership positions as well as involve them in decision-making processes. We must pave the way for women and girls and invest in their right to active political participation, as a necessary step to achieving global gender equality and democratic governance and ultimately bring them into leadership positions. This in turn will create a ripple effect that will yield multiple benefits not only for women and girls but for the family unit, communities and the country at large.
HOW DO WE SUPPORT WOMEN AND GIRLS INTO LEADERSHIP POSITION? :
We must first get the inspiration to lead and aspire for leadership roles and positions and must be equipped, prepared , trained and capable of handling such roles.
— Women who have found their way into leadership positions must ensure they provide access to opportunities for growth and development.
— We must end discrimination against working mothers and break down “maternal walls” which is prejudices faced by working mothers and women seeking jobs.
— Empower women to be financially independent and also create a monetary scheme that allows women generate fund as a means of support for women who intend to run for elective offices.
-Appointive and Elective positions within the party must be seen to reflect the 35% affirmative action enshrined in party constitutions and should not be restricted to only a position.
-Young women and girls must be groomed and encouraged not maligned and shut out of the political space. Getting them involved in projects, programs, Party activities and processes and affording them the opportunity to play key roles within the party will go a long way to motivate and prepare them for effective leadership.
-Also catching them young by taking tours to institutions and secondary schools will further help inspire and also identify young women and girls who have interest in politics.
With these few words, I hereby declare the International Women’s Day 2024 Celebration & Lecture Open.
Thank you.
Peoplesmind
