Political Representation, Kogi NAWOJ Chair makes case for women

Ahead of the November 11 governorship election in Kogi State, the Chairperson, Nigeria Association of Women Journalists, Kogi State chapter, Comrade Ann Olurinde, has appealed to critical stakeholders to awaken the consciousness of their male counterparts to the need to give their full support to women to enable them occupy leadership positions.

The chairperson made the appeal at a two-day round table engagement organized by the International Press Center (IPC), with EU - Support to Democratic Governance in Nigeria, (EU-SDGN II) Component 4: Support to Media, held at the Federal Capital Territory, Abuja, Nigeria. 

Our Kogi State Correspondent, reports that Olurinde, who lamented insufficient support from men for women to take up leadership roles, remarked that this attitude stemmed from the patriarchal mindset which perceives women in power as a threat to male domination.

She argued that women are not women's problem as some men suppose. She noted that if men would come out fully to support the women, the representation gap would be bridged.

To tackle this issue, Comrade Olurinde called on men to increase their support for women to attain leadership positions. She said such gestures would go a long way to promote gender equality and women's empowerment which, according to her, was a key focus of the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).

The NAWOJ chair further tasked women to strive for self-improvement, repositioning, and continuous learning. According to her, women must remain proactive, stay informed, and acquire the necessary skills, as it would help them succeed in breaking the barriers of patriarchy and gender inequality.

She maintained that the prevalent stereotypes, prejudices, and gender norms are detrimental to women's advancement, especially in leadership positions.

She however told participants that she remained optimistic noting that with collective efforts and adequate support, women could break free from the shackles of gender bias and make significant progress in their careers and the society.

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