2023 Polls: Anenih, Others Call for Greater Anambra Women Participation in Politics

By Praise Chinecherem

The National Coordinator of 100 Women Lobby Group, Iyom Josephine Anenih has challenged women In Anambra State to participate fully in the forthcoming 2023 general elections.

Anenih, made the call at the 100 Women Lobby Group, Anambra State Strategic Meeting/Summit organized for Women in political parties on improving Electoral Integrity and Accountability in Nigeria  projects, supported by McArthur Foundation.

She advocated women inclusiveness in politics, explaining that the organization is founded to give voice  to women.

She called on those at the corridors of power to give more women opportunities to vie for different positions irrespective of party affiliations.

Describing women as leaders, and influencers, Iyom Anenih, a Barrister, harped on the need for women to support their women folk, stressing that their numbers would make a difference in ensuring credibility.

State Coordinator of the group, Mrs Ifeyinwa Unachukwu said the Strategic Meetings were targeted at improving electoral integrity and credibility as Nigerians elect their leaders next year February.

She said, “We encourage the women to come out en masse to vote as their Numbers will make great impact in transparency during election. 

“They should also ensure their children who are up to 18 years and above also come out to vote, to elect credible leaders, as well as shun voter apathy and money politics.”

Also speaking, Labour Party (LP) candidate for Federal House of Representatives, Prof. Lilian Orogbu, described Women as vehicle for change, stressing that they have the powers to decide who governed them as their votes would count.

She advised them to go and pick up their Permanent Voter Cards to enable them  vote during the elections.

In his remarks, Coordinator, United Nations Peace and Positive Living Awareness Center, UNPEPOLAC, Bishop Ozioma Ozoemena, hinted that organizing elections is part of their mandate, describing 2023 election as critical, as it can make or mar the nation.

Underscoring the place of peace before and after elections, Ozoemena maintained that women were critical to issue of peace, describing women as mobilizers and managers .

He also called on Women Lobby Group to ensure they carried the message of peaceful co-existence to their communities.

In their separate speeches, Deputy Coordinator, and the Secretary of 100 Women Lobby Group, Anambra State, Eucharia Anekwe and Ugochi Freeman, APGA Awka South Chairman, Hon. Chikodili Nonyelu and Executive Director, Catch Them Young, Mr Nonso Orakwe, among others supported women inclusiveness in politics as they help to bring lasting peace in their various communities.

Orakwe reminded the participants about the “Vote not fight,  Election no be War” mantra, saying that their power is in the  PVC.