By Omolara Akintoye
Women have been charged to be consistent with party politics, cultivate the attitude of early preparation and also build party structure.
Speaking at the monthly virtual ‘Destiny Moment With Eunice (DMWE), an arm of Stop Hurting People Foundation (SHPF) which was titled ‘Fixing the Woman and themed “35% Affirmative Action and its Effect on the Nigerian woman” , the Senior State Counsel, Rivers State Ministry of Justice & Chairperson, FIDA, Rivers State branch, Mrs. Adata Bio-Briggs said this.
According to Mrs. Bio-Briggs, one of the ways in which women can take their rightful position is by cultivating the attitude of early participation, understanding the tenacity of men in politics and mobilise both men and women for support.
Her words “There is need to build the capacity of women for good governance, be actively involved in party politics and remain in the party and build structures.
The theme according to the Convener of DMWE and President, Stop Hurting People Foundation, Mrs. Eunice Iferi – Chukwuemeka, is apt with Nigerian government being signatory to the 35% Affirmative Action of women involvement in governance, among others and the recent victory at the Federal High Court by Justice Donatus Okorowo which says that Gender Policy is not merely a policy statement but one that must be backed with requisite action on the part of government.
Mrs. Iferi-Chukwuemeka laments that although the laws are there but the issue of implementation is a serious challenge, still steps need to be taken to ensure that women participate actively in appointive and elective positions.
The challenge according to the Strategic Thinker and Conflict Resolution Consultant, Pastor Ladi Thompson is neither government’s inability to implement these policies nor cultural, but rather, a conscious, deliberate manipulation of organized habits, broad opinions and political positions of the masses which is executed by some unseen mechanisms.
“These stronghold cracks when women start thinking outside the box, organize and motivate both men and women be part of the change process, using the power of nurture, never line up behind Western thoughts but rather go ahead of the Western thoughts. By doing these, Nigerian women would set the pace globally” said Pst. Ladi Thompson.
Another solution according to a Chartered Mediator and Arbitrator, Mrs. Nancy Obinwa, (Esq) is women participating actively in grassroots politics with the right knowledge and skills as well as sensitising the girl-child about their rights.
For women to benefit from the 35% Affirmative Action, according to another Human Rights Activists and Founder, Agape Birthright, Ms Ann Kio-Briggs, they must be part of the process, it will not be given to them on a platter of gold but rather has to be taken.
While urging women not to be involved in dirty politics, Mrs Iferi – Chukwuemeka urged women that the only remedy is for them to get there and clean it up and not pay lip service.’
