The Peoples Democratic Party, PDP, Senatorial Chairman, Kwara central, Alhaji Jimoh Adesina, has said political parties must henceforth ensure they adhere strictly with the 35% affirmative for women in politics.
The PDP Chieftain said it has become imperative to preserve the women space and involve them right from the ward to the national level, judging by the impact that women in politics had already played.
Alhaji Jimoh spoke on Tuesday, while addressing male participants from Asa local government area of Kwara state, at a sensitization programme to mainstream men in the women voice and leadership programme.
The sensitization programme was organized by Nuhu Fatimoh, NUFAT foundation with support from Global Affairs Canada and Action Aid.
He said having identified the impactful role that women play in governance, the time has come for men to give them maximum support to ensure they actively take part in political activities and decision making.
“Right from the ward, to local, senatorial, state, regional and national level, our party for instance has made it sacrosanct to ensure 35% affirmative for the women, it’s not negotiable,” he said.
Former Kwara State Commissioner and Chief Executive Officer, NUFAT Foundation, Dr Asiat Ayinke Saka, advised men participants to support their wives and daughters to be actively involved in politics.
She said it is imperative to sensitize the men so that they can see the need to allow their women and accord them the necessary support.
The NUFAT CEO said, “Men who are the leaders should be involved in this struggle so that we won’t be scratching it in the surface by involving women alone.
“It is the man that heads the family and considering our culture, men call the shot. They need to consent to the woman’s ambition, otherwise, there will be friction.
“They opened up on their fears, that women in politics before became so arrogant, unavailable and talk anyhow to anyone because they are in position of power. But today we were able to debunk that not all women are like that.
“In fact, as you have such women in politics, you also have men. That gave them the assurance. It takes two to tango and so we cannot ostracize the men in this campaign.”
Participants from Asa local government who spoke with RoyalTimes correspondent, described the sensitization as one of its kind. They commended the organizers and pledged to step down the education back home.
Join our twitter community :
