Women's Participation, Leadership Key To Achieving SDGs By 2030 —PDP Woman Leader Arong

 

PDP National Woman Leader Arong Hosts Lecture With PDP Women To Commemorate International Women’s Day. 

The National Woman Leader of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) Hon. Amina Divine Arong, on Friday in commemoration of the 2024 International Women’s Day Celebration organized a lecture. 

The colorful event with the theme 'Supporting Women and Girls into Leadership position' took place at the NEC hall of the Party's National Secretariat in Abuja and had in attendance members of the National Working Committee (NWC) female members of the PDP Board of Trustees (BoT) Stakeholders, Leaders and Coordinators of various groups and other members of the party. It was declared open by Hon. Arong following her opening remarks.

In her remark she noted that Women’s equal participation and leadership in politics are one of the keys to the achievement of the sustainable development goals by 2030.

Highlighting key issues confronting women in politics globally, she also lamented the poor percentage of women actively involved in politics and leadership positions within the party. 

" Sadly, despite women being powerful agents of change with proven benefits, they have continued to be under-represented in Politics, and other sectors. Having women as leaders and decision-makers at all levels are critical to advancing gender justice, gender equality and furthers economic, social, and political progress for all", Arong said. 

Speaking further, she highlighted the importance of having women get actively involved in politics, and leadership stressing that political decisions tend to affect them and the lives of many other making reference to laws, policies made and decisions having the ability to either yield a positive result or have an adverse negative effect on the people. She also called on women to support one another and groom girls who indicate interest in politics and highlighted ways through which women and girls can be supported into leadership positions.

" While it is important that we continue to advocate for the active participation of women in politics in Nigeria, it is also very key that we imbibe the culture of actively supporting women and girls into leadership positions as well as involve them in decision-making processes. We must pave the way for women and girls and invest in their right to active political participation, as a necessary step to achieving global gender equality and democratic governance and ultimately bring them into leadership positions. This in turn will create a ripple effect that will yield multiple benefits not only for women and girls but for the family unit, communities and the country at large.

" We must first get the inspiration to lead and aspire for leadership roles and positions and must be equipped, prepared, trained and capable of handling such roles.

" Women who have found their way into leadership positions must ensure they provide access to opportunities for growth and development. We must end discrimination against working mothers and break down “maternal walls” which is prejudices faced by working mothers and women seeking jobs. 

" We must power women to be financially independent and also create a monetary scheme that allows women generate fund as a means of support for women who intend to run for elective offices. Also, Appointive and Elective positions within the party must be seen to reflect the 35% affirmative action enshrined in party constitutions and should not be restricted to only a position. 

" Young women and girls must be groomed and encouraged not maligned and shut out of the political space. Getting them involved in projects, programs, Party activities and processes and affording them the opportunity to play key roles within the party will go a long way to motivate and prepare them for effective leadership.

"Also catching them young by taking tours to institutions and secondary schools will further help inspire and also identify young women and girls who have interest in politics", she added.

A guest speaker Hajiya Inna Ciroma speaking on developing strategies to empower and mentor future female leaders in politics stressed the need for the party to develop programs and schemes that provide financial support for women who intend to run for office. While the second speaker Hajiya Zainab Maina while reflecting on the progress of women in politics since 1999 pointed out the struggle faced by women till date. 

HE For SHE: 

The National Secretary of the party Sen. Samuel Nnaemeka Anyanwu who was present at the event representing the National Working Committee and accompanied by the National Financial secretary Dr. Daniel Woyengikuro demonstrated solidarity with women for the advancement of gender equality,  participation of women in politics and leadership positions. 

Anyanwu in his remarks said Nigerian men ought to promote women's participation in politics speaking of the huge roles played by women in Nigeria he said, 

“The role of women can never be overemphasized. If it is possible, I pray, believe and hope that someday a woman emerges as president of this country."