Women Constitute Half of Global Population Yet under Represented – Obi

By Praise Chinecherem

Chairman of Idemili South local government area of Anambra State, Hon. Amaka Obi has recounted the imperative of women participation in governance and leadership positions.

Obi stated this during a one day sensitization programme held at the council headquarters in Ojoto.

She said the essence of the programme was to discuss leadership and governance, which were critical issues that affect all women in the society.

“For the society to achieve adequate democracy and all inclusive governance, it must recognize the vital role women play in reshaping communities and the state at large positively,” she said.

The LG boss regretted that women still remained under represented in governance structures despite the fact that they constituted half of the global population.

“According to the United Nations statistics, women hold only 24 percent of parliamentary seats globally; such disparity is a missed opportunity and talents.

“Women participation in governance leads to better decision making, increase accountability, improved healthcare and education, among other benefits.

“Despite the benefits, women still face numerous challenges such as societal norms where women are often expected to prioritize domestic duties over public life; lack of access to education and resources; violence, harassment and intimidation, among other hindrances,” she lamented.

While noting that women participation in governance was not only a matter of equality, but also a necessary condition for building more equitable and prosperous society, Obi appealed to all participants and all women to ensure adequate participation in governance at all levels.

She commended Governor Chukwuma Soludo and his wife, Dr Mrs Nonye Soludo, for their numerous interventions in the lives of women and families in the state, assuring that women would not relent in giving their administration maximum support, especially for their second term bid.

Former Commissioner for Social Welfare, Children and Women Affairs, Hon. Ndidi Mezue, in her own speech, urged major political actors in the country and Anambra State to give women the maximum opportunity to participate in leadership, and contribute their qouta in societal development.

She admonished women not to shy away from participating actively in politics or say that men do not allow them to play active roles in politics and leadership.

She praised Governor Soludo for running inclusive government, and being gender sensitive and friendly considering the number of women in his cabinet, as well as other areas of administration and leadership.

Mezue said though the governor was able to ensure 30% women participation in governance; yet women still demand 35% affirmative action.

The former Commissioner, who also berated some women for contributing largely to the failure of women to succeed in attaining leadership positions because of their actions and inactions, begged them to always encourage women that venture into politics or leadership positions.

She also encouraged women, who find themselves in politics or leadership positions to be hardworking, trustworthy, and always dedicated to whatever they do.

Also speaking, Lady Oby Obododozie, former state president, National Council of Women Society, says the bedrock of a successful woman in leadership and governance is good character, hard work, dedication and exemplary leadership.

She urged the women folk to always support their fellow women in leadership, and to be good ambassadors of the women folk wherever they find themselves; adding that rising to the peak of leadership positions take gradual but persistent process.

Mrs Chinwe Umeri, Deputy State Women Leader of All Progressive Grand Alliance (APGA) , says women have powers, and that what is needed is the right atmosphere to harness their leadership potentials.

She commended the LG Mayor, Hon Amaka Obi, for being a good role model for women in leadership, and for being a source of inspiration to other women.

Anambra State Assistant Treasurer of the All Progressive Grand Alliance (APGA), Rt. Hon. Uche Maduekwe (Igwe), assured that as long as women are ready to show exemplary leadership, government will be ready to grant them bigger opportunities to assume leadership positions.

Also speaking, Dr. Irene Nwankwo, a medical consultant, encouraged women to live healthy life, especially by avoiding synthetic foods and substances; but should eat more of natural foods and nature’s gifts.

Highpoint of the event was the visitation of Healthy living Garden in the Secretariat by the Mayor and other women leaders who commended the Governor’s wife for introducing the Pet-Project Healthy living with Nonye Soludo which begets the healthy living garden, regular Saturday work out session among others.

Women groups that attended the workshop include Iyom Ifeabata Women, Soludo Women, Women PGs, Women Community Leaders, Solution Ladies, Golibe Ladies, Civil Servants, United Business Women Association, among other groups.

Other dignitaries that attended the program include Deputy Mayor of Idemili South, Hon Ifeanyi Anakuba; Majority Leader, Hon Prince Chibeze Okoli; Head of Local Government Administration, Mrs Ifenyinwa Chukwudolue; as well as councilors among others.