2023 elections: Get your voter’s card, summit charges Nigerian women

As Nigerians prepare and await the 2023 general elections, Nigerian women have been asked to work together for their voices to be heard.

Speaking at a summit for the 2022 Women Aspirants themed “Women Working Together for A Democratic Nigeria,” in Abuja on Tuesday, Blessing Obidegwu Director of the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) Gender and Inclusivity Department,  urged the female aspirants to get their permanent voters card and vote for women’s voices to be heard.

The summit focused on the need to promote an enabling environment for women to fully participate as candidates in the 2023 elections. It looked at strategic methods of raising funds, increasing media visibility, and the implications of the amended electoral acts on women’s political participation.

The media was identified as critical partner female politicians must continually engage with to stay relevant. Moji Makanjuola, a veteran broadcaster urged the aspirants to continually seek platforms that will project and help them to connect with people in their constituencies.

Makanjuola tasked the aspirants to regularly engage the media on topical issues as this is essential in creating an image for the people. Anike-ade Funke Treasure a broadcast administrator advised the aspirants on regular engagement with women at the grassroots, to partner with women in media to ensure that they remain relevant in the media space.

Former minister for Women Affairs Iyom Josephine Anenih and Rt. Hon. Elizabeth Ativie former speaker of Edo State House of Assembly spoke on Inter and Intra Political Party and the emergence of Women. The aspirants were advised to associate themselves with other political parties as it’s detrimental to stick to their own party in the name of loyalty as not all favours are returned within the party.

Women leaders of Political parties were charged with advancing the course of women through their offices as this is mostly the office allocated to women.

Toun Okewale Sonaiya CEO of Women Radio said Nigeria’s male-dominated National Assembly has spoken that Nigerian women do not matter therefore Nigerian Women have any choice but to commit to being deliberate and intentional in working together to ensure more females emerge as candidates and win elections in 2023. Sonaiya urged women to vote for women, campaign for women, and to fund women.

Felicia Onibon of 100 Women Lobby Group appreciated the efforts of Nigerian women in pushing for recognition and their strong will in demanding the passage of the gender bills and urge them not to relent in their efforts.

Ebere Ifendu President of Women in Politics Forum commended Nigerian Women for their unity during the occupation of the National Assembly against the rejection of the gender bills and urged them to utilise all information learnt at the summit.

Mufuliat Fijabi, CEO of Nigerian Women Trust Fund urged women not to be exhausted until inclusive governance is achieved in Nigeria. Fijabi called on all critical stakeholders especially the National Assembly to pass laws that will enhance inclusive political participation in Nigeria while emphasising that true democratic practice is founded on women’s active involvement in governance. She encouraged Nigerian women to register and get their PVCs to enable them to vote during the election.