By Okechukwu Onuegbu
The 100 Women Lobby Group, a Non-Governmental Organisation (NGO), formed with the aim to encourage women’s active participation in political activities, has intensified it campaign in Anambra State.
The group at a strategic meeting and summit for women in political parties, held in Awka, on Friday, called on women not to be deterred by happenings in the society to shun political participation because they (women) have more engaging powers to turn things around.
Speaking at the event, the former Minister of Women Affairs, Mrs Josephine Anenih, urged women to offer solid support to women who contest any political position because their support would be a backbone to the contestants.
“Women are good lobbyists, women are very considerate and compassionate, God endowed them with unique capabilities. Women always strive to make a difference in anything they are entrusted with and given any form of leadership, such ability would be needed in political arena,” she said.
Anenih, who explained that the strategic meeting of the 100 Women lobby group, Anambra State, was supported by McArthur Foundation with purpose of encouraging Women in political parties to improve their electoral integrity and accountability in Nigeria.
She also called on those at the corridors of power to create more opportunities for women emancipation, empowerments and to hold both appointed and elected political offices irrespective of party affiliation because women are leaders and influencers.
On her part, Mrs Ify Unachukwu, the State coordinator of the group, encouraged women to come out en masse to vote on election day as their numbers will make great impact to have a transparent election.
Unachukwu also urged women to ensure that their children who are up to 18 years and above come out to vote to elect credible leaders.
Also speaking, the labour party candidate for Awka North and Awka South Federal House of Representative, Prof. Lilian Orogbu, described women as vehicles for change, who according to her, should be supported to make Nigeria better.
The Coordinator, UNP, Bishop Uzoma Ozoemena, advocated for peace before and after the election, while enjoining politicians to educate their followers on the need for a peaceful conduct during the election.
Other speakers at the event, Mrs Eucheria Aniekwe and Ms Chikodili Nonyelu, observed that women inclusiveness in politics has brought out many good reports, and encouraged their male counterparts to give them maximum support.
Mrs Ugochi Freeman, a resource person, said that women in election matters need to have voting rights to engender good governance which they have answers to.