The Gender and Development Action, GADA, has urged critical stakeholders to formulate a strategic roadmap for sustaining women’s participation in Cross River State politics.
The Programme Manager of the Women’s Voice and Leadership (WVL) Project Nigeria under GADA, Mrs. Francisca Effiom gave the charge while declaring open a 2-day training workshop for a cross-section of women politicians in Calabar, Cross River State, southern Nigeria.
Mrs. Effiom, who noted that the theme “Empowering Tomorrow: A Strategic Roadmap for Sustaining Women’s Political Participation in Cross River” was apt, said that it was important for the participants to be critical in discussing issues that would ensure the sustainability of the achievements made so far.
Effiom stated that developing a strategic roadmap would also ensure continuity in the fight to amplify women’s voices in grassroots politics as the WVL Project, which is supported by ActionAid with funding from Global Affairs Canada, ends next month.
She said, “It is imperative to recognise the significance of our collective efforts in advancing gender equality and promoting women’s empowerment in the political sphere. Women’s voices and perspectives are invaluable assets that must be fully integrated into the decision-making processes that shape our society.
“I urged you all to, as you discuss, share insights and collectively develop a strategic roadmap tailored to the unique context of Cross River State. This roadmap will serve as a guidepost for our future actions and initiatives aimed at breaking down barriers, amplifying women’s voices, and fostering a more inclusive and representative political landscape,” the Programme Manager stated.
Continuing, Effiom said, “The task ahead is both challenging and rewarding, but I am confident that with our combined expertise, dedication, and passion for change, we can achieve meaningful progress towards our shared goal of sustaining women’s political participation in Cross River.”
She stressed, “together, let us pave the way for a more equitable and inclusive future where every woman has the opportunity to participate fully and meaningfully in the political life of our state. Let me use this opportunity to appreciate the representatives of the Independent National Electoral Commission, INEC, and women leaders of the People’s Democratic Party, PDP; All Progressives Congress, APC and Labour Party, LP and others for supporting this project.”
The first day of the training featured presentations on Gender Sensitivity in Political Activism, Policy Analysis Skills on Prevention against Sexual Exploitation and Abuse as well as Advocacy and Communication Skills and Project Management.
Dominica Nwabufo
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