By Festus Zender, Abuja INN reporter
Two prominent Non Governmental Organizations, African Young Female Advisers Initiative (AYFAI) and Network of Disabled Women (NDW) have kicked off a World Health Assembly (WHA) campaign in Nigeria, task the government on inclusion of Women and Women with Disabilities in government and politics.
The information was made public at an event organized Thursday, and themed: “Africa Young Female Appointees And Women With Disabilities In Politics Convergence”. The program was supported by UN Women and attended by several participants.
Speaking during the launch, President of AYFAI, Mrs Abiodun Essiet reiterated that the organization is committed to attainable inclusive health for vulnerable person and women living differently, with different disabilities. She said, “we aim to afford these women the opportunity for greater, more enabled potentials in our health sector”.
Earlier, the convener of NDW, and national treasurer, AYFAI, Mrs Lois Auta-Udonkanta in her opening address welcomed the guests and thanked everyone for taking out time from their tight schedule to be present at the event. She emphasized the necessity for such a gathering and informed the audience on the need for inclusion of young women in politics so that they too can contribute their quota in nation building. She then tasked the government on the inclusion of young disabled women in politics.
She said: “The current percentage of inclusion is nothing to write home about. It is time we begin to challenge the status quo. It is time we hold our government accountable for the under-representation of young women and women with disabilities in government policies and programs”.
On her part, Mrs Abiodun Essiet, who was physically absent at the event but spoke through virtual media appreciated everyone for supporting the program and taking out time to honour the event.
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Going further, she noted the challenges faced by young women in government and politics. She said: “we are not where we ought to be, but we are getting somewhere”. She then went on to encourage participants to work harder and continue to push for more, using advocacy.
Speaking further, she admitted the presence of specific challenges which she tasked participants to identify and work out modalities for proffering solutions. She also advocates full support for young women aspiring to participate in politics.
Another speaker at the occasion, Hon. S.A. Sekinat Bello, a member of the AYFAI, advocated support for women inclusion in government and politics. She pushed for the eradication of harmful social practices that could delay inclusion of aspiring young women in politics.
Emphasizing further, she advised on the need to consider available opportunities that would enhance prosperity for women in government, socio economic and political development, as well as networking. She also stressed the need to adopt strategies that would help push for more advocacy for inclusion.
The Federal Minister of Women Affairs, Pauline Tallen, represented by her permanent secretary, Amb. Dr. Anthonia Ekpa, urged participants to endeavor to understand the terrain of politics.
According to her, true politics is making a difference in your environment – stressing that politics is not about personal interest but about public interest.
She tasked participants to view politics from a different angle and mindset. They are to see it, not as an avenue for enrichment but rather as way of making impact in society and contributing individual quotas to national development.
The Honourable Minister of Youths and Sports, Mr. Sunday Akin Dare, speaking through his representative, Special adviser on ICT and Corporate Relations, Kemi Ann Areola, congratulated the Women and appreciated their courage, strength and tenacity.
According to him, the Ministry is ready to work hand in hand with the Women and offer the best support they can whenever the need arises.
Highlights of the event include engaging panel discussions and contributions from participants.
More photos below:
