NILS partners WIPF on inclusive governance

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By Ene Osang Abuja]

In its efforts to overcome challenges hindering the political participation of women, the National Institute for Legislative Studies (NILS) is collaborating with the Women In Politics Forum (WIPF) towards bridging the gap of under-representation of women in leadership and governance in the country.

This follows the continuing record of under-representation of women in both elective and appointive positions which is blamed on cultural and religious barriers, including other challenges that inhibits women from active political participation.

It is to this end that a delegation from NILS on the 14th of August, visited the WIPF to partner on ways of achieving inclusive governance in Nigeria.

Leading the delegation, an Executive of NILS, Professor Alkali, stressed the need for supporting women enhance their capacity, saying this will enable them have the qualities needed to hold elective or appointive positions.

He noted the contributions women to national development over the years, adding that the positive roles women play in politics and good governance are well recognized.

He therefore assured that the institute will hold seminars and other programmes discuss ways of ensuring free and fair elections come 2019.

‘’With preparation of the 2019 elections in full swing, seminars and programs will be held by the institute to discuss various aspects of political activities to ensure that the forth coming elections at all levels are free ,fair and transparent,’’ he said.

‘’Other activities include planned advocacy visits to political actors and to plan a time line of activities that will run through the 2019 elections,’’ he added.
In order to achieve this aim, wipf was brought on board as major stakeholders for their active participation in the areas of inputs and advice given their expertise on peculiar political issues as it relates to women.

Alkali assured WIPF of their support, just as he sought to partner them in ensuring that women have a grassroots touch and identification as well as mentoring in political party engagements.

He further appealed to the WIPF to encourage her members to take advantage of the courses in the institute which are meant to sharpen the cutting edge of female legislators and aspiring ones.

Receiving the delegation, the President WIPF, Barrister Ebere Ifendu, said women will continue to hold political parties accountable for affirmative action, inclusion and internal party democracy.

Barr. Ebere assured of WIPF willingness to work with NILS for better engagement of women, just as she noted some challenges hindering women from political participation.

She however said the WIPF organises mentorship programmes, capacity building, media engagement as strategies to be in the front burner of national discuss.

It is worthy to note that the WIPF in preparation ahead the 2019 general elections is collaborating with many organizations, the Ministry of Women Affairs and other developmental partners irrespective of party differences to ensure a change of narrative on women inclusion in governance.


President of the Women In Politics Forum (WIPF) Barrister Ebere Ifendu


Members of NILS and WIPF during the courtesy visit in Abuja

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