Women Radio 91.7 executive director Toun Sonaiya has called on state governors to put at least one woman on the list of female ministerial candidates to be sent to the incoming administration.
In a recently released statement, Sonaiya said this will be in line with the 35 percent affirmative action and help close the gap of underrepresentation of women in 2023 elective positions.
She said: “The responsibility for ministerial appointments rests not only with the president-elect, Bola Tinubu, but also with the governors of the respective All Progressive Congress (APC) states, who are proposing names for the nomination.
“One female nomination for every three nominated by governors, APC presidents, and leaders in non-APC states would translate to approximately 35 percent agreeing to affirmative action and closing the gap created in 2023 elective seats.
“Competent and capable women politicians and technocrats come from every state in Nigeria and all men and women must play a role in rebuilding the socio-economic fabric of our beloved country. While our men are great nation builders, they require the support and contribution of women. Only when men and women lead together can Nigeria progress.
“Nigerian women’s groups are in a strong alliance to advocate for increased female representation in government at all levels. The Women Advocates Research and Documentation Center is coordinating the women representatives from each state to submit the Nigerian Women’s Demand Letter to the government of each state.
Sonaiya noted that “despite increased lobbying and advocacy for gender balance and female inclusion in politics over the last three years, the recently concluded 2023 elections saw the lowest and most demoralizing percentage of women elected to senators and members. of the House of Representatives, with only three and 14, respectively.
“The 9th National Assembly rejected the passage of all five gender bills, failing Nigerian women. Nigerian women hope that the 10th National Assembly will pass the development bills for Nigeria.
However, she urged political parties to review their manifestos and match their words with actions in terms of women’s recognition within the party, since the marginalization against women in elective positions arises internally.
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