An advocacy group, Stop Violence Against Women In Politics (VAWIP), has called for legal funds to assist women-politicians challenge electoral malpractices of any form at all levels of political process.
The convener of VAWIP, Justice Development and Peace Centre (JDPC), made the call at a news conference in Akure on Tuesday.
The Programme Officer, JDPC, Austin Ogunleye, said it was unfortunate that women were being sidelined and marginalised in terms of political representation in the country.
According to Ogunleye, the hope and momentum for advancing women’s full and equal political participation has not been strong in Nigeria.
He said that women should be encouraged and supported, regardless of their party affiliations, to seek political offices.
“Political parties should create a support network for prospective aspirants by pairing them with established women politicians who will be playing the roles of mentors and provide capacity building for young and aspiring female politicians.
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“They should build mass coalition of women support and advocacy group, using NGOs and grassroots women associations to coordinate support and advocacy for fellow women aspirants.
“The parties should also establish legal funds to assist women politicians to challenge electoral malpractices of any form at all levels of political processes.
“Quota system should also be introduced at all levels of government, identifying and engaging relevant stakeholders, such as INEC and political parties, to ensure strict adherence,” he said.
Also speaking, Chief Executive Officer (CEO), The Speaking Voice, Mrs Bola Inyang, said that enabling environment should be created to allow women engage meaningfully in the decision-making process.
Inyang said that the environment should be sustainable, effective and free from violence and harassments of any kind.
According to her, this is the good time to bring to the fore laws that would guarantee women political participation in Nigeria, as the National Assembly is currently planning the review of 1999 Constitution. (NAN)
