Idris Ahmed, Lokoja.
As the 2023 political action starts, a Civil Society Organization (CSO), Conscience for Human Rights and Conflict Resolution (CHRCR) has urged political parties to come out with deliberate policies that would ensure gender inclusion in politics.
The Executive Director of CHRCR, Idris Miliki, gave the advice at a One-Day Meeting for Political Parties on ”Prioritising Anti-Corruption and Accountability Issues towards 2023 Elections,” organised by CHRCR in partnership with Civil Society Legislative Advocacy Centre (CISLAC).
Miliki stressed the need for various political parties to develop and have deliberate policies on women active participation in politics, urging them to take responsibility and be stakeholders in politics.
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According to him, the men have the advantage because the women have not studied the political parties to see how they can come in.
”If women cannot be elected they can be appointed and also be members of several committees and institutions of political parties.
”If you are members of political parties you must be active and attend all meetings irrespective of time even at night,” Miliki said.
He emphasised that women belong to several callings like doctors, nurses, military, police and pilots who work round the clock, hence the night meetings by political parties should not discourage women from being active in politics.
”So, women should take out those stereotype of men, there should be no sentiment. Women must register among political parties of their choice, build it, pay your dues like every other man, and don’t allow yourself to be intimidated.
”Women should not be intimidated in politics and can be elected in any elective position like chairman, vice chairman of every political party.
”People should not hide undher pretence of religion and culture and be depriving the women of their fundamental human rights; woman can be anything like any man.” Mili ki stated.
While urging women to be committed and invest their time and resources in politics and take their destinies into their hand by being politically relevant, the Director called on political parties to incorporate anti-corruption and accountability in their manifestoes to serve as guide to prospective candidates that would win elections on their behalf.
He explained that the project’s goal was to reduce corruption in Nigeria by bolstering support for Anti-Corruption, and Social inclusion among critical groups and strengthening policies and programs for Anti-Corruption at the State level as Nigeria prepares for elections in 2023.
He stressed that the civil society (CSOs) would strictly monitor, as part of the project, campaign promises of political parties to ensure that citizens were not short-changed in governance.
Miliki commended the people of Anambra State who stood out clearly and committed to vote for candidates of their choice.
According to him, in spite the threat, Anambra people have demonstrated the fact that they cherish free, fair and peaceful elections as they were determined to do so.
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While commending INEC for coming up with innovation Miliki also appreciated the security agencies for their role in ensuring free, fair and peaceful election in Anambra state.
In their various comments, the political parties promised to put deliberate strategies for inclusion of women in key elective and appointive positions.
