Women dialogue identifies factors impeding participation in politics

<p>Participants at a one-day postmortem dialogue on assessing violence against women and women’s participation in the 2023 general elections on Wednesday have identified the patriarchal nature of Nigerian society and political parties as major factors impeding women’s participation in politics.</p>, <p>The dialogue, organized by the Women’s Situation Room Nigeria (WSRN), Women’s International League for Peace and Freedom Nigeria, and Women Environment and Youth Development Initiative</p>, <p>(WOYODEV) had Kwara state female lawmakers, civil society organizations (CSO), network groups, and women groups in attendance.</p>, <p>“Having observed the last general elections in 11 states of the federation, we thought it necessary to go back to the drawing board, and assess some things to move forward ahead of the 2027 elections. One of these is the level of violence against women and women’s participation during and post elections of the 2023 elections.</p>, <p>“We’re also identifying new trends that impede women’s political participation and drawing a road map ahead of the 2027 elections. One of these is the patriarchal nature of our society and political parties. Women were being denied participation in this process. So, we look at advocating for passage of independent candidature bill to enable independent people come out and vie for political positions”.</p>, <p>The project officer, who said there was a need to start and intensify advocacy early before the 2027 general elections on the identified areas of attention, added that “we need to establish our voices in government.”</p>, <p>“We need proper implementation on the 35 percent affirmative action that has already been passed in order to see competent, credible women that can bring positive change in government”, she said.</p>, <p>Also speaking, a member representing the Ilorin North/West state constituency in the Kwara State House of Assembly, Hon. Babatunde Ayi Olatundun, said that the 2023 general elections and beyond have a better ray of hope in stock for the f