Women Participation in Electoral Process and Socio Economic Development
By Esther Enna
Women have been advised to actively participate in politics to enable them participate in the decision making process and contribute their quota to the socio-economic development of the state.
Some women in politics and other positions of authority gave the advice while speaking to Correspondent Esther Enna on the low participation of women in politics in Lafia, the Nasarawa State Capital.
Women occupy an insignificant number of seats in the National Assembly with only three and sixteen female lawmakers in the green and red chambers, while the Nasarawa State house of Assembly has only one female member Hajara Danyaro out of the twenty four legislators.
In twenty twenty two, Nigerian women advocated five bills to promote inclusion and women’s representation in parliament — including one bill that would reserve thirty five percent of political seats for women.
None of the bills received enough support to gain passage in the male-dominated parliament leading to protests.
It is in the light of this that a Member Representing Nasarawa Central at the Nasarawa State House of Assembly, Hajiya Hajara Danyaro lamented that despite the country recording an increase in female participation in politics, a lot more needs to be done for more females to seek for political positions in the twenty twenty seven elections.
Hajiya Hajara advised women to participate in politics and lend a voice for the emancipation of fellow women.
On her part, state Commissioner for Special Duties on Humanitarian, Social Services and NGOs, Princess Margaret Elayo who frowned at the manner society stereotype women in politics, charged women in politics to rise above criticism and participate actively to enable them to serve humanity.
In her contribution, President National Council for Women Societies in Nasarawa State,Mrs Mary Meshi noted that women express their intentions late, calling on those who are interested in contesting election in twenty twenty seven to commence early preparations by reaching out to others on their intentions.
Mrs Mary appealed to federal and state governments to consider women in their policies, programmes and political appointment to enable them be part of the decision making process.
