By Ene Osang
Abuja
The National Council for Women Societies (NCWS) has assured of brighter future for Nigerian women this year.
Its president, Mrs. Gloria Laraba Shoda, in a New Year message said the council would consolidate on her identified programmes, to ensure better life for every Nigerian women and child.
According to her, since campaigns and politicking would commence in earnest in 2018 ahead of the election proper in 2019, the council would ensure that more women are given opportunity to be elected into public office.
She recalled that the council had advocated for positions of vice president, deputy governors and vice chairmen of local government to women in future elections.
“If a woman emerges as a president, governor and chairman of local government a man should be the vice.
“The Nigerian women will henceforth vote en bloc for political parties that agree to the above demand, that prioritises women issues and gives women 35 per cent Affirmative Action.
“The 35 per cent affirmative action should come in both political party structure, nomination for elections, and appointive offices.
“Different groups should support the capacity building and financial empowerment of women interested in politics and governance,’’ she said.
Shoda said that the council in collaboration with the Bank of Industry in 2017 commenced the disbursement of N50, 000 loan to 1,000 women in all the states of the federation using FCT as a pilot project.
She assured that “the council will consolidate on this project to ensure that more women benefit from soft loans to better their lives.’’
