Foremost support group for women politicians, the Women in Politics Forum (WIPF), a multi-party organisation for women, has called for applications to its inaugural Young Women in Politics Academy for young women in Benue and Cross River states.
The academy, which is established with support from the UN Women Nigeria, is in recognition of the marginalisation of women in politics across political party lines as it seeks to give a voice to women in governance and leadership.
National president of WIPF, Ebere Ifendu, in a statement made available to the media at the weekend in Abuja, said the academy was established following its commitment to increasing women’s political participation and without discrimination of persons with disabilities; well qualified candidates are strongly encouraged to apply.
She called on interested candidates to apply by sending CVs and cover letters indicating why they should be selected for the academy before October 22 to [email protected]
Ifendu reminded the public that the WIPF does not charge a fee at any stage of the recruitment process and training, and in the selection of participants, stressing that it is committed to increasing women’s political participation and without discrimination of persons with disabilities.
She explained that the academy consists of a two-day intensive training aimed at strengthening the capacity of young women to engage in political leadership processes and in political parties, adding that initial screening of all candidates will take place, leading to selected participants being interviewed for a place in the academy.
“Expert facilitators will take participants through the academy’s tailored curriculum with modules including models of leadership, understanding Nigeria’s electoral system as well as media engagement and public speaking.
“At the end of the academy’s training, participants will be supported in registering for membership of a political party of their choice,” she said.
“Criteria for participating include young women of age 18 – 35 living in Benue or Cross River state interested in political leadership, political science, international relations, gender equality and women’s empowerment, business investment or enterprise,” she said.
