The Ondo state governor’s wife, Mrs Betty Akeredolu, has advocated for more participation of women in politics.
Mrs Akeredolu said this Tuesday at the 4th Ekiti Gender Summit adding that the aim was to increase their number at both state and federal legislature to balance gender equality.
The summit was organised by the office of wife of Ekiti governor in conjunction with Forum of Spouses of Ekiti State Officials (FOSESO) and Forum of Women in Leadership (FOWIL).
and theme for the program was: “Gender Equality and Women’s Empowerment Post Beijing: Political Will and Impact.”
Akeredolu said the objective of the summit underscored gender equality and women empowerment as a catalyst for socioeconomic and political development.
She stated that it would give Ekiti state the opportunity to evaluate progress made and plan for the future.
She noted that government at all levels must understand that sustainable development could not be achieved in societal frameworks where the roles of women were not included., Women, just like men, can contribute immensely to the socioeconomic and political development of Nigeria and it must be included in elective roles.
“We must strive to increase the number of women in parliament. This is the only way issues of women can be considered.
“Women empowerment must be taken seriously and all hands must be on deck to combat feminised poverty.
“Since the Beijing Declaration which marked the Fourth World Conference on Women in 1995, governments, civil society and the public have translated the platform into actionable steps in
individual countries.
“Undoubtedly, these changes indicate a renewed passion for the issues of women and have ushered in enormous improvement in their lives.
“Globally, more women and girls, than at any previous point in time, serve in political offices and are protected by laws against gender-based violence and live under constitutions that guarantee gender equality.
“Interestingly, this year 2020 also marks the 25 year anniversary of the Fourth World Conference on women and the adoption of the Beijing Declaration and Platform for Action,” She said.
(NAN)
