by crossriverwatch admin
In furtherance of its commitment to enhance the livelihood of women, Partnership Opportunities for Women Empowerment Realization, POWER, would, Saturday, September 14, 2013 unveil and launch an initiative to encourage and support interested and qualified female politicians contesting elections in Cross River and ultimately, in Nigeria.
Implemented through a new project known as POWER Political Advancement for Women (PPA4W), this initiative is intended to bridge the inequity in terms of access to availability of funding between male and female political contestants before and during elections.
This will be achieved by creating awareness to the public about these inequities which deprive Nigeria of otherwise well qualified persons who could serve successfully in various capacities across the country.
The event which would be chaired by the former Senator representing Adamawa South Senatorial District, Senator Grace Bent, would attract interested parties, political leaders and business persons across the country.
The Founder/Board Chair, Partnership Opportunities for Women Empowerment Realization, POWER, Mrs. Obioma Liyel-Imoke said POWER initiated this project to put power in the hands of women.
Mrs. Liyel-Imoke said the project is also intended to support and encourage gender equity in the democratic process at both the state and national levels.
Using the forthcoming local government elections in Cross River State as an illustration, Mrs. Liyel-Imoke explained that “the main rationale for this project is to bridge the wide gender gap in the number of candidates contesting for elections in Nigeria.
She informed that for the first time in Cross River State, out of a total of 232 candidates vying for various elective offices in the local government elections (chairmanship, vice-chairmanship and councilors) scheduled to hold on 21st September 2013, 75 of them are women (32%).
The 75 women candidates, according to her, comprise 4 women out of 18 for chairmanship, 15 women out of 18 for vice-chairmanship and 56 women out of 196 for Councilorship positions.
This, Mrs. Liyel-Imoke explained, is an increase by over 100% due to advocacy and sensitization carried out by POWER prior to the party primaries.
follow us on twitter @crossriverwatch
Leave feedback about this