By Adeola Tukuru
Abuja
For making governance and democracy open so that women have the opportunity to participate, ActionAid Nigeria, has called on federal government, stakeholders and all sectors to create space for scrutinising political manifestos as well as public dialogue and accountability.
The Interim Country Director, Funmilayo Oyefusi, gave this charge in Abuja at the just concluded two-day learning and experience sharing dialogue, themed: “Unbuilding Barriers to Inclusive Democracy”.
Oyefusi, expressed that more can be done at the community level where majority of women are, and where governance is closer to the people.
According to her, many women, young people and other excluded groups such as persons living with disabilities do not participate meaningful in political processes.
She further said this can be achieved through collective actions and collaborations at various levels in challenging sexist policies, institutions and practices and encouraging women’s inclusion at all levels.
Also, the Chief Executive Officer, Nigerian Women Trust Fund (NWTF), Olufunke Baruwa, said all hands on must be on deck to work through and unbound these barriers.
She further said the dialogue meeting is apt as strategic approach should be given by major stakeholders on a way forward ahead of the 2019 elections.
The Minister of Women Affairs and Social Development, Senator Jummai Aisha Alhassan, represented by a Deputy Director in the ministry, Mrs Victoria Ella, said the obvious obstacle to achieving the set goals are traditional and cultural barriers,social norms and attitude against women as leaders and decision makers
