Honourable Minister of Women Affairs assures continuous struggle for gender equality, inclusiveness.

Oru Leonard

The Honourable Minister of Women Affairs, Dame Pauline K. Tallen, OFR, KSG has assured the struggle for gender equity and inclusiveness in decision making, particularly in politics is a continuous one that will be carried on.

During a courtesy visit by the former President of Kosovo, Atifete Jahyaga, in company of the executives and International Working Group of National Democratic Institute (NDI) on Friday, 17th September, 2021 at the Ministry of Women Affairs’ Headquarters, Abuja, Tallen expressed appreciations for the support of the international working group.  She assured that all available documented advice from European women groups which Kosovo earlier adopted to alter their constitution and attain an appreciable representation in politics even to the point of women becoming President of the Republic of Kosovo, will also be used by Nigerian women to make their own headway.

While receiving the book which chronicles the devastating and gory tale of the war in Kosovo 22 years back, Tallen said Nigeria women will build resilience rather than sadness when they are exposed to reading the book just as she promised to read it.

Dame Tallen gave assurance of her continuous membership and support on the NDI’s Supporting Advancement for Gender Equality (SAGE) and further expressed appreciation to the former President and her entourage while wishing them journey mercies back home.

Speaking earlier, the former President of Kosovo, Atifete Jahyaga thanked the Honourable Minister of Women Affairs and Nigerians for a memorable visit to Nigeria with the warm reception and array of culture, re-stated the commitment of Kosovo through the NDI to gender equality and inclusiveness.
Citing the example of Kosovo, Atifete said constitutional alteration is not enough but implementation is key.

She stated that the biggest challenge Kosovo had was the implementation of the constitution and advised that Nigeria should not allow same to happen to them.

Jahyaga also expressed appreciation for Nigeria’s role at ending the civil war in Kosovo when she sent Nigeria’s troops.  She informed the meeting that 22 years after the war in Kosovo, 46% of women are now in parliament and decision making process stating that through the NDI, the kind gesture of Nigeria will be paid back.

(FMWA Media)