NGO begins political mobilisation of women in South West

NGO begins political mobilisation of women in South West
By Lydia Ngwakwe
Women
Lagos, May 21, 2018 (NAN) Women Arise for Change Initiative (WA), an NGO, says it is mobilising women in South West states through stimulation groups at the grassroots to enhance their political participation.
Dr Joe Okei-Odumakin, President of WA, told the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) in Lagos on Monday that the time was ripe for women to actively participate in politics.
She said: “Women Arise has established in all South West states women political participation stimulation groups.
“These groups have started mobilising women at the grassroots to join political parties and to be active in politics.
“These groups also will engage the political parties’ leadership for women inclusion in decision making process.
“It also lobbies various political platforms so as to open space for engagement and inclusive actions,’’ Okei-Odumakin said.
The rights activist said the groups were expected to train women to take up and play more concrete roles such as contesting party leadership positions and also vying for elective positions.
“Presently, WA is conducting trainings for selected women groups on women participation and also working with women who have signified intention to contest in various elections at different stages.
“WA will help to develop their manifestoes and provide technical support for citizens’ engagement.’’
She appealed to women who are already in positions of authority to help the upcoming ones, adding that the country will be better-off, if women took up political engagements.
She said that God had given a woman knowledge, wisdom, understanding and strength which made them good managers of human and material resources. (NAN)
LED/JTJ/MST
Edited by Julius Toba Jegede/Muhammad Suleiman Tola