Communities have been urged to synergise to eliminate gender and sexual based violence in the society
This formed the crux of discussions at a Community Mobilisation and Media Campaign for inclusion and participation of women in governance, organized by Women Foundation for Improved Living Standard (WOFILS) fomerly known as Women Action Committee in three communities in Anambra Central Senatorial District which include Nawgu, Ukwulu as well as Enugwu-Agidi
The event which was borne out of the need to champion the support of all critical stakeholders in all the communities in the 21 Local Governments of the state/ towards increased knowledge on barriers to women’s participation in governance, non-representation and appointment into various positions.
The occasion which is supported by ACTIONAID Nigeria and funded by Global Affairs Canada through Strategic Innovative Fund of the Women’s Voice and Leadership Nigeria Project, is also aimed at mobilising stakeholders to help join hands in getting the support of members of their communities for women inclusion in local governance and ensure that they participate effectively in the 2021 gubernatorial election in Anambra state and also 2023 general elections.
Addressing participants, the Executive Director Women Action Committee WAC, Professor Mercy Anagbogu, urged all stakeholders in the communities to join hands in the campaign to support women inclusion in local governance as well as help enhance gender justice and freedom from violence for women, especially during political activities.
She regretted that although the Gender and Equal Opportunity Bill’ demands 35 per cent of appointive and elective positions for women but unfortunately, these laws are not implemented.
Earlier in a welcome Address, the Traditional Ruler of Nawgu, Igwe George Onwuogu, pledged his community’s readiness to partner with Women Action Committee and other well-meaning groups in ensuring women’s participation in local governance, because according to him, this will develop the society
In their reactions, the Chairman, Anambra State Civil Society Network, Prince Chris Azor, and a former Woman Leader in Ukwulu, Mrs Tina Igbasi, stressed that the essence of the event was to get women interested in taking up leadership positions in their communities, noting that it was high time women started becoming visible in local governance.
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