By Praise Chinecherem
The Gender Perspective and Social Development Centre (GPSDS) has lamented low number of women in political and leadership spaces in Nigeria.
It urged girls and women to pursue career in politics to increase their participation in the political space of the country.
Executive Director, Mrs Eucharia Anekwe gave the advice in Awka at an ongoing consultative meeting with Nwanyibuife Women Advocacy Team and law enforcement partners on gender-based violence supported by Nigerian Women Trust Fund and Ford Foundation.
She blamed low representation of women in politics to gender stereotypes, cultural or religious factors, high cost of politics and the political party systems and structures in the country.
She said, “We cannot achieve gender equality in our political space if we do not encourage and groom our girls and women to participate and get involved fully.
“It Is a fact that about half of Nigeria’s population are women, their participation will create a balance of power between genders.
“The full and equitable participation of women in public life is essential to building and sustaining strong, vibrant democracy in the country.”
Also speaking, Mrs Uju Onyendilefu, of Child Protection Network, underscored the need to mentor secondary school girl to pursue a career in politics.
She described pursuit of career in politics as the best way to break into the country’s political space.
She said, “Our women need to begin to see politics as a career and not a side hustle or something that is given. We need to start correcting this perception or mindset among women.
“We need to organise talks in secondary school for our young girls to ignite political ambition among them, build their ability to think critically and play a role in shaping Nigeriaโs future.
“When our girls and women purse career in politics, they will have the knowledge of how political institutions works, boost their leadership abilities, self-confidence and voice.
“Ahead of subsequent elections, we need to prepare the next generation of women voters and those who are interested in becoming political leaders.”
