NEWS AGENCY OF NIGERIA
The Nigerian Women Trust Fund (NWTF) has appealed to President Bola Tinubu to deliver on his campaign action plan of having at least 35 per cent of women on his ministerial list.
Its chief executive officer, Mufuliat Fijabi, made the call during a Zoom media conference organised by Women Radio 91.7.
Ms Fijabi expressed concerns over the president’s recent appointment of special assistants and personal aides, where only 25 per cent and 15 per cent of women were appointed, respectively.
According to her, other African countries have made considerable progress in women’s representation.
She, however, called on the new administration to uphold the 35 per cent affirmative action.
Also, Amina Agbaje, National President of the International Federation of Women Lawyers (FIDA), explained the need for gender equity and transparency in the president’s list.
Ms Agbaje urged women’s groups to send a delegation to the First Lady, Oluremi Tinubu, to lobby to consider the 35 per cent quota system for women on the ministerial list.
Ladi Bala, national president of the Nigerian Association of Women Journalists (NAWOJ), emphasised that media engagements were critical to keeping the advocacy for 35 per cent affirmative action for women to garner the attention it deserves.
Adewummi Onanuga, the deputy chief whip of the House of Representatives, expressed her confidence in Mr Tinubu to deliver on his promises.
Similarly, Jamila Babuba, APC Professional Women North-East coordinator, expressed assurance that the president would appoint at least 35 per cent of women in his cabinet.
Chikas Kumle, a social justice advocate, highlighted the critical role of women in an inclusive government, urging Mr Tinubu to include at least 35 per cent of APC women on his ministerial list.
Zainab Abdulrasheed, programmes officer of the Women’s Rights Advancement & Protection Alternative (WRAPA Nigeria), highlighted the importance of inclusive advocacy for marginalised and excluded voices in implementing the 35 per cent affirmative action to achieve the Sustainable Development Goals.
Saka Azimazi, former deputy director of the National Human Rights Commission (NHRC), called for grassroots advocacy and male support to achieve affirmative action for women at all levels of government.
Enebi Opaluwa, senior research and policy analyst at BudgIT, decried the absence of women in policy-making processes in Nigeria.
The APC campaign action plan for a better Nigeria gave assurances to increase women’s participation to at least 35 per cent in all government positions.
No government since the Fourth Republic has achieved the appointment of 35 per cent women as ministers.
(NAN)