NAWOJ advocates for women inclusion in leadership of 10th National Assembly
State Correspondent
As Part of the 2023 Democracy Day and in the interest of gender balancing, equitable development in the nations democracy,the Nigeria Association of Women Journalists(NAWOJ) has called on President Bola Ahmed Tinubu and members of the 10th National Assembly to consider a ranking female legislator as the Deputy Speaker of the 10th House of Representatives.
This is contained in a statement signed by the National President of NAWOJ,Ladi Bala and the national Secretary, Helen Udofa and made available to newsmen in Abuja.
NAWOJ observes that the lack of women inclusion in governance and political participation over the years has remained a weak link in the core values of democracy and this is certainly not part of a true reflection of the Nigerian democratic dream.
The Association expresses concern that as it stands today, the 10th National Assembly is not gender friendly as it lacks balance with only 17 women representation out of 469 members of both chambers, stressing that the development is so sad and worrisome as it does not reflect the diversity of the Nigerian society in any form.
NAWOJ specifically maintains that the underrepresentation of women in the 10th National Assembly is a serious setback that requires deliberate action, noting that the time to set in motion the strategy for changing the narrative of underrepresentation of women at the National Assembly is now.
The statement further notes that in the spirit of patriotism and building the confidence of women, who are always active participants in the political process, stakeholders and members of the National Assembly should consider and allow a female legislator to emerge as Deputy Speaker in order to give the gender requirement that promotes inclusion.
The Association emphasizes that gender diversity in leadership, fosters innovation and better governance, stressing that until the issue of women inclusion in leadership and governance are prioritized in the new administration, the nation’s democracy can at best be described as hypocrisy with the hope of Nigerian women dashed once again.
NAWOJ is of the view that most significant is the collective resolve by most Nigerians that democracy, as a system of government, has its ideals and ethos which are being poorly adhered to by political leaders and stakeholders, thus creating gaps in the nation’s political space.
The Association,however appeals to President Bola Ahmed Tinubu to make do his campaign promises of promoting equity and social inclusion at all levels of governance including ensuring adequate representation of women in governance.
