By Bilesanmi Abayomi
In a virtual advocacy conversation held in Lagos, the Kosofe Federal House of Representatives-elect, Mrs Kafilat Ogbara, called on President-elect Asiwaju Bola Tinubu to prioritize the implementation of the 35% affirmative action for women in political appointments. The event, titled “A Review of the Role of Women in the 2023 Election: The Way Forward,” was organized by the Association of Nigerian Women Business Network in collaboration with Radio 91.7 (The Voice of Women).
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During the conversation, Ogbara emphasized the importance of upholding the Federal High Court judgment from April 6, 2022, which mandated the government to ensure the 35% affirmative action for women in Nigeria. She urged the incoming government to implement this judgment by May 29, specifically in terms of appointment positions.
Expressing her dissatisfaction with the current state of women’s representation in Nigerian politics, Ogbara highlighted that Nigeria ranked 55th among black countries in Africa. She stressed the need for the incoming administration to increase the representation of women in political appointments before 2027.
Ogbara encouraged action and emphasized the importance of not just talking, but also walking the path towards achieving gender parity in politics. She urged women to support one another and advocated for the inclusion of more than 35% women in the composition of the incoming government’s cabinet.
Reflecting on her own experiences, Ogbara acknowledged the challenges faced by women in politics. She called for women to rally behind competent and capable female candidates, emphasizing the need for unity and support within the female political community.
The discussion also touched on the issue of girls’ education, as Ogbara highlighted the link between education and women’s participation in politics. She emphasized that addressing the problem of out-of-school girls was crucial, as education opened doors to opportunities and financial empowerment, enabling women to actively engage in the political sphere.
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Ogbara concluded by urging stakeholders to address the high number of out-of-school children, as it directly affected the future of female political participation. By ensuring girls’ access to quality education, opportunities and advantages would be unlocked, paving the way for their meaningful involvement in politics.
The conversation served as a platform for women leaders to come together, share experiences, and advocate for greater female representation and empowerment in Nigerian politics. Ogbara’s call to President-elect Tinubu and fellow women emphasized the urgency of taking concrete steps to achieve gender equality and inclusivity in political appointments and governance.