The struggle to allow womenfolk into political space has endured over the years world over. Plethora of women organizations surged into public limelight ably chaired by strong-willed woman-leaders elbowing for gender diversification in the political dispensation of their countries. Agitation for gender equality and representation both in the private and public sector of economy became subject of heated debate leading to enactments of local and international women’s rights instruments aimed at protecting and promotion of women rights. Few African countries such as Rwanda and South Africa simultaneously enforced these instruments which led to nearly 50% equal representation of every gender in the countries scheme of things.
In Nigeria, women like Mrs. Olufunmilayo Ransome-Kuti, Mrs. Margaret Ekpo and Hajia Sambo Sawaba were in the frontline of the struggle for women inclusiveness in governance and policy- making which recorded some positive results, yet very negligible. A 2019 report states that out of 109 Senate’s seats, 7 are occupied by women. Similarly 14 seats are occupied by women out of 306 seats in the House of Representatives. From the foregoing, it’s obvious that the war for gender equal representation into high elective positions is far from been won. Reasons for this sudden slackness are yet known.
However, certain Nigerian Governors have showed exemplary democratic governance where women are accorded pride of place in the decision making processes. The government of Enugu State under the humane leadership of His Excellency Dr. Ifeanyi Ugwuanyi (MR. FULFILLMENT) takes the lead in women inclusiveness, in the administration of a state to which they have stakes. Women of Enugu State not only participate fully in Politics but also allowed access to utilize opportunities created to hold public offices.
It is no surprise that Ugwuanyi picked a woman as his gubernatorial running mate consecutively. Only few States of the Federation did same prominent among them is Rivers State.
Most of the government departments and parastatals are currently manned by greatly educated women. 40% of his SSA’s and SA’s are women, 30% of Enugu state Assembly are female, 25% of Enugu state commissioners are female, 35% of Enugu state permanent secretaries are female, 29% of SPA’s are female..In the next political appointment development centres, Administrators, Executive Assistant, Technical Assistant e.t.c more than 40% of female will be involved
It is wide a believe that a State with gender diversity records rapid economic development, equality of rights and immense human capital uplifting. Women’s locked potentials are unleashed thus enabling meaningful contribution in nation building. Governor Ugwuanyi in recognizing this truth have expended a substantial sum aiding various women groups, Credit and Thrift organizations and women marketers in their commercial endeavors.
Again, Enugu State government has continued to show a sense of unrelenting spirit in ensuring the education of the girl-child including adult women sensitizing them on their Civil and Political rights in the modern society. This political awareness paid off in the 2019 election conduct as the good people of Enugu trouped to polling units in choosing their leader both state and national levels. Granted, unlike few years ago, the women of Enugu State are now vibrantly politically conscious.Here, the eternal words of CCTV Anchor Tian Wei always resonates in full swing that” any society that fails to harness the energy and creativity of its women is at a huge disadvantage in the modern world”. Governor Ugwuanyi deserves accolades in no small way for this Sterling precedent established for the guidance of successive governments.
BIBIAN ANEKWE NEWS ADDED” IN POLITICS, IF YOU WANT ANYTHING SAID, ASK A MAN; IF YOU WANT ANYTHING DONE, ASK A WOMAN. “ GOV. UGWUANYI.. THANKS FOR WOMEN INCLUSIVENESS IN YOUR GOVERNMENT
Enugu State is surely in the hands of God.
Written by
IKEMSINACHI NWA-ONAH
MEDIA TEAM MEMBER OF ENUGU DI N’AKACHUKWU MOVEMENT
