By Okechukwu Onuegbu
The International Federation of Women Lawyers (FIDA), on Thursday, got endorsement of Anambra men and women to straightening women active participation in politics especially legislation for national development.
The stakeholders, including State and non-State Actors such as labour unions, traditional rulers, civil society organisations, media and others, also signed to the cause affirming thier readiness and commitment to support the ongoing bill seeking reservation of seats for women in the Senate, House of Representatives and States House of Assembly.
Speaking at one-day HeForShe Champions State-Level Advocacy and Townhall Meeting held at Awka, Anambra State capital, the Traditional Ruler of Ifitedunu, Dunukofia Local Government Area (LGA), Igwe Emeka Ilouno and his counterpart from Omasi, Ayamelum Council Area, Igwe Benjamin Okeji reassured FIDA that Anambra State shunned discrimination against women in any form due to their impact to society.
The monarch, while describing the cause as a worthwhile initiative aimed at speeding up development of Nigeria in all strata, also pledged to lead discussion among traditional rulers and communities for support of the project.
Contributing, the Coordinator, Anambra State Civil Society Network (ASCONET), Prince Chris Azor and the former State Coordinator, National Orientation Agency (NOA), Sir Joseph Uchendu eulogised the place of women for sociopolitical development, noting that given them opportunities to serve in legislative chambers would go a long way in deepening democracy and rule of law.
They argued that most women had distinguished themselves in holding critical government and job hence they could easily surmount the possible political, cultural and economic challenges that could try to stop actualization of the project.
The National Manager, Administration and Human Resources, FIDA, Barr. Mrs Ezinwa Obiajunwa had during presentation of key objectives and overview of He for She project explained that it was focused on building consensus and consolidating memoranda in support of constitutional reforms that will ensure the reservation of seats for women in Nigeria’s legislative houses.
According to her, supporting active women participation in governance especially legislation which is currently being pushed by the FIDA and others would assist towards advancing women inclusion to deepen democracy.
Also speaking, the Chairperson, FIDA Anambra State, Barr. Amara Muojeke said the one-day programme was focused on building consensus and consolidating memoranda in support of constitutional reforms that will ensure the reservation of seats for women in Nigeria’s legislative houses.
“This intervention is part of a bold and timely initiative under the UN Women-led project, Advancing Women’s Inclusion and Representation in Leadership and Political Processes in Nigeria, with funding from the Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office (FCDO).
“It seeks to reframe gender inclusion not as a women’s issue, but as a national imperative that demands the deliberate and proactive participation of all, especially men. The men gathered here—government actors, traditional leaders, religious figures, civil society leaders, and private sector influencers—are not just guests or observers; you are essential collaborators and agents of change,” she added.
“Your voices, platforms, and political will are crucial to dismantling the systemic barriers that have historically hindered women’s participation in governance. We must build a broad-based coalition of champions, men and women, young and old, grassroots and elite, to push for these critical reforms. As we deliberate today, let us remember that sustainable change will be driven by partnerships that transcend gender, party lines, and personal interest,” she added.
She further noted that the Country Vice President, FIDA, commends the leadership of Anambra State Branch of the organisation for spearheading the critical conversation and recognizes the immense contribution of male allies who have chosen to walk this path with them not as bystanders, but as true champions of inclusion.
“The memoranda we consolidate here will be our voice to the National Assembly and a testament to what is possible when men and women rise together to demand fairness and equity under the law. This intervention is part of a bold and timely initiative under the UN Women-led project, Advancing Women’s Inclusion and Representation in Leadership and Political Processes in Nigeria, with funding from the Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office (FCDO),” she further noted.
