The Gender Perspective and Social Development Centre (GPSDS), earlier today urged girls and women to pursue a career in politics to increase their participation in the country’s political space.
Mrs Eucharia Anekwe, Executive Director, GPSDC, made the call in Awka at an ongoing consultative meeting with Nwayibuife Women Advocacy Team and law enforcement partners on gender-based violence.
The consultative forum was supported by Nigerian Women Trust Fund and Ford Foundation.
Anekwe lamented the low number of women in political and leadership spaces in Anambra and Nigeria.
She said the low representation of women could be attributed to gender stereotypes, cultural or religious factors, high cost of politics and the political party systems and structures in the country.
“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,” he said.
Also speaking, Mrs Uju Onyendilefu, of Child Protection Network, said there was the need to begin to mentor secondary school girl to pursue a career in politics.
According to Onyendilefu, pursuing a career in politics is the best way to break into the country’s political space.
“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 Nigeria’s 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,” she said