By: Ade Adeleke
An Ondo State advocacy group, known as, WOMEN ARISE INITIATIVE, on Thursday stressed the need for all the political parties in the state to field female candidates for the forthcoming Bye-election in Akure North/Akure South federal constituency.
This, according to a group, will give women in the state a sense of belonging as mothers and wives who are contributing hugely to national growth.
Speaking at a forum in Akure, the Chairman of WOMEN ARISE INITIATIVE, Mrs Taiwo Olayiwola, said it was disheartening that since the creation of the state in 1976, only one woman, Mrs Febisola Adeyemi who was a member of the National Assembly in 1999.
Mrs Olayiwola noted that marginalisation of women in elective and appointive positions in Ondo state violates United Nations gender equality and inclusion, hence the need to embark on aggressive sensitisation of political stakeholders ahead of the Akure South/North federal constituency bye-election.
The Chairman said, “we are dissatisfied with the current and persistently low representation of women in Ondo state where we have only one legislature among the three tiers of the legislative arm of government while only a handful of women from the state currently have political appointments.
“We strongly believe that issue of gender inclusion in the political process is a matter of utmost importance and discourse for political leaders and development stakeholders to fully take into consideration. According to the UN sustainable development’s Goal 5 and 10 with Gender Equalit y and Reduced Inequality, that highlights gender inclusion in the political process.
“Women across hoard have also proved their mettle as they have excelled in many notable positions around the world. among them are Dr Ngozi Okonjo-lweala, the Director General of World Trade Organization, Her Excellency, Arabirin Betty Anyanwu-Akereolu, the first lady of Ondo state and recent Sun News awardee as “Most Supportive First Lady” for her notable and indelible contribution to girl-child development in Ondo state and beyond, Princess Oladunni Odu, the first female Secretary to State Government, Hon Omowunmi Olatunji Ohwovoriole, the Chairman governing council, Federal Polythenic, Kaura Namoda in Zamfara state, Hon Febisola Janet Adeyemi. one time member house of representatives in Ile-Oluji/Okeigbo/Odigbo federal constituency and the only woman who has represented Ondo state in National Assembly from 1999 till date among others.
“These women prove the fact that across the country and in Ondo state, women are imbued with the educational and professional training as well as the leadership sagacity to put Ondo state on the global map of inclusive development.
“We therefore call on political leaders across the country and in Ondo state to support the inclusive governance agenda of Women Arise by making the selection process for forthcoming elections inclusive, and fair. We strongly hope to have female legislatures emerge in nearest future to represent the state and the voice of women.
“We call on media and civil society organizations to use their strength to push the course women and ensure emergence of women political leaders to fill the current void in the state.
“We call on Ondo state women to rise up and support women to reach elective leadership positions. We as well call on the youth to safeguard the future by supporting equity in leadership.
“We call on political parties to emplace fairness and equity as guiding principles in future selection process, bearing in mind that the state is blessed with ably qualified women who have proved their mettle in party loyalty and political ability.
“Women Arise group commiserates with the family of the departed member of national assembly representing Akure North/South Federal Constituency, Late Hon Adedayo Omolafe ‘Expensive’, we pray God will console the family he left behind and fill the void of his demise.
“We pray that the Lord Almighty grants success to the on-going industrialization drive of our governor, Arakunrin Oluwarotimi Odunayo Akeredolu, and that peace may continue to reign in our state and Nigeria at large,” the Chairman said.
Also speaking, the Vice Chairperson of Ondo State Women Arise, Princess Adebunmi Osadahun said it is unfair that the state had not produced a female governor, female deputy governor and female Senator since its creation, urging political parties like APC, PDP and others to concede their ticket to female candidates during the Akure bye-election.
Two female political leaders and Mrs Falana Olamide and Princess Dupe Adetuwo who is an Actress, said there were many capable and competent women in the state who can be appointed and elected into public offices, noting that with high population of women, they deserve better opportunities that they were currently getting.
