As Bayelsa state governorship election comes up in November 16, women have been advised to be part of the decision making process, especially as to who becomes the governor so that they can be part of the scheme of things.
The advice was handed out to the women in Yenagoa Wednesday during the formal launch of women in politics and good governance organised programme organised by the Centre for Environmental Human Rights and Development (CEHRD).
Speaking at the event, representatives of CEHRD, David Vareba and Marsha Nwanne told women to be actively involved in politics and in decision making.
“It is time for Bayelsa women to come out and participate in politics, governance and on issues that concern them. Governance concerns all women. If governance should impact on women, women should be part of that process. You should build your capacity and become part of governance.
“We know that power given is taken and that is why we want to groom women and form them in such a way that their mental frame work where women think that they are just there to be led and not to lead is over,” they said.
They disclosed that the programme was meant to bring grassroots women together, help them participate in politics, coordinate, cooperate and link up with other women stakeholders who are already members of political parties and are already in governance.
The CEHRD representatives said although one of the things that scare women from politics was violence, it should not be the reason they should stay away from politics.
Also speaking, the resource person, Dotimi Egbegi encouraged the women to venture into politics, adding that if they can build the home, they can also do better if given the opportunity to govern.
He said, “Women are home builders. They are peace makers. They don’t want war. They want to ensure that there is peace. They are not selfish. If you put a woman in position of authority, she makes a difference.”
