As the World marks the International Women’s Day, the Women Wing of the Christian Association of Nigeria (WOWICAN), Niger state chapter has called on governments at all levels to engage more women in appointive positions and encourage women’s participation in politics in the country.
State chairperson WOWICAN, Deaconess Deborah Amina Gana made the call after a fitness walk to mark the 2023 International Women’s Day, under the theme ‘DigitAll: Innovation and Technology for Gender Equality’ in Minna.
Deaconess Gana noted that women have been left behind in political participation and involvement in activities in the state, hence the need to change the narratives to enable them contribute effectively in nation building.
According to her “after the election we shall start creating more awareness among women in the state to encourage them on the need to be politically active. This cannot be achieved without the full support of government. So, we are calling government to fully support us to meet up because women are nation builders.
The state WOWICAN chairperson continued, “this time around we want to have a woman as a governor or deputy governor and in other elective positions to enable us contribute our quota to growth and development of the state”
“This is because our good and kind God in heaven imparted immeasurable worth to each and every Woman, we must protect and uphold that worth in each and every context in our fallen world, where many seek to oppress, abuse, and denigrate women”
She also appealed to women to monitored the activities of their children/wards especially the girl-child in order for them to turn out well and become useful members of the society.
Speaking, the wife of Niger state Governor, Dr. Amina Abubakar Sani Bello through the permanent secretary Ministry for Women Affairs, Hajiya Khaltum Dauda Rufai described women as nation builders and if given the opportunity can contribute immensely to the progress and development of Nigeria.
She stated, “the IWD is a day set aside for women all over the world to stand together and fight the course of justice, and equity. It is for us to celebrate our selves, to celebrate justice, and to celebrate equity. And, we should be creative in all that we do. Because, if we don’t blow our trumpet nobody will do it for us”.