…as Iyom Anenih advocates women inclusiveness in politics
Women In Anambra State have been challenged to participate fully in the forthcoming 2023 general elections.
National Coordinator of 100 Women Lobby Group, Iyom Josephine Anenih, made the call at the group’s, Anambra State Strategic Meeting/Summit organized for Women in political parties on improving Electoral Integrity and Accountability in Nigeria projects, Supported by McArthur Foundation, held at Hilton Leisure Hotel, Awka.
Iyom Anenih, a Barrister, who is one of the founders of the group, advocated women inclusiveness in politics, explaining that the organization is founded to give the female gender a voice.
She called on those at the corridors of power to give them more opportunities to vie for different positions irrespective of party affiliations.
Describing them as leaders, and influencers, Iyom Anenih harped on the need for women to support their women folk, stressing that their numbers would make a difference in ensuring credibility.
State Coordinator of the group, Mrs Ifeyinwa Unachukwu said the Strategic Meetings were targeted at improving electoral integrity and credibility as Nigerians elect their leaders next year February.
She said, “We encourage the women to come out en masse to vote as their Numbers will make great impact in transparency during election.
“They should also ensure their children who are up to 18 years and above also come out to vote, to elect credible leaders, as well as shun voter apathy and money politics.”
Also speaking, Labour Party (LP) candidate for Federal House of Representatives, Prof. Lilian Orogbu, described the female gender as vehicle for change, stressing that they have the powers to decide who governed them as their votes would count.
She advised them to go and pick up their Permanent Voter Cards to enable them vote during the elections.
In his remarks, Coordinator, United Nations Peace and Positive Living Awareness Center, UNPEPOLAC, Bishop Ozioma Ozoemena, hinted that organizing elections is part of their mandate, describing 2023 election as critical, as it can make or mar the nation.
Underscoring the place of peace before and after the election, Ozoemena maintained that women were critical to issue of peace, describing them as mobilizers and managers .
He also called on the group to ensure they carried the message of peaceful co-existence to their communities.
In their separate speeches, Deputy Coordinator, and the Secretary of 100 Women Lobby Group, Anambra State, Eucharia Anekwe and Ugochi Freeman, APGA Awka South Chairman, Hon. Chikodili Nonyelu and Executive Director, Catch Them Young, Mr Nonso Orakwe, among others supported women inclusiveness in politics as they help to bring lasting peace in their various communities.
Orakwe reminded the participants about the “Vote not fight, Election no be War” mantra, saying that their power is in the PVC.
