‘Nigeria Has Lowest Representation of Women in Politics’

January 23, 2019

The country representative of United Nation Women in Nigeria, Ms Comfort Lamptey, has said Nigeria is one of the countries with lowest representation of women in politics across Africa. Lamptey stated this over the weekend in Abuja at the inauguration of a task team to monitor participation of women in Nigerian politics. She said when more women participate in politics and the political process, it enhances the democratic process and ultimately the development agenda adding that this undermines Nigeria’s role as the leader in this region.

“The power of Nigerian women lies in their votes as we move towards 2019. Nigerian women are not powerless, we have a lot of power and that power lies in our vote. Women should vote for their interest and for men and women who will advance their interest,” she said.

In his address, chairman of the Inter Party Advisory Council (IPAC), Chief Peter Ameh, said the fact can never be overstated that everyone benefits when women can fully participate in economic and significant political decision making process saying that women stand as the formidable unit of nation building. “We must not forget one very important thing, which is that God-given ability that women are good and better at multi-tasking than their male counterparts. It is no doubt that women are 50 per cent of the population, 50 per cent of every solution, 50 per cent of every action, 50 per cent of everything. They contribute to the prosperity of everything. So, to encourage growth and rapid development, it is necessary that we support women’s full participation in economic, social and political systems of life. This is a key factor or ingredient in reducing poverty, increasing the wellbeing of women and creating fair, safe and secured nation. “

“Women have proven themselves in the area of management and governance through past engagements in government and management positions. We can all attest to the incredible performance of women like Dora Akunyili, Stella Adadevoh, Oby Ezekwesili, Aruma Atteh”, the IPAC chairman concluded. He said inclusion of women in democratic and governance process is a key factor or ingredient in reducing poverty and creating fair, safe and secured nation.