Lagos: Dr Joe Odumakin, President of the Women Arise for Change Initiative, has called for a deliberate policy direction to implement the 35 per cent Affirmative Action for women in public governance. Odumakin made the call in an interview with the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) in Lagos.
According to News Agency of Nigeria, the rights activist stated that such a move is crucial for achieving social inclusion and eliminating entrenched barriers against women in politics and public service. Odumakin emphasized that Nigeria, as a signatory to various international instruments, conventions, and treaties, must put in place measures to eradicate gender discrimination and ensure human dignity and equality for all. The 35 per cent affirmative action, she noted, is a key step toward achieving these goals.
To boost women’s participation in politics, Odumakin advised the government to implement gender quotas. She asserted that legislated gender quotas could effectively increase women’s representation in politics. She also highlighted the need for governments to take steps to prevent violence against women in politics and to ensure accountability for perpetrators.
Odumakin further urged the government to show support by investing in capacity-building programs for women candidates and regulating campaign financing to promote equal participation. For women to succeed in politics and create lasting change, the rights activist emphasized the importance of organization, resilience, perseverance, and collaboration.
“It is time to shift the narrative. Our women must organise more and agonise less. We have to support ourselves. Resilience, perseverance, intelligence, hard work, and collaboration is key,” she said.