Senator representing Abia Central District in the National Assembly, Senator Nkechi Nwaogu has called for the appointment of more women into the executive committees of political parties.
In a chat with 247ureports.com in Aba, Nwaogu who is a governorship aspirant on the platform of the PDP in Abia state stated that the appointment of more women, including the Woman Leaders in the executive committees of political parties would help to provide a level playing field for the women to thrive in politics.
“I appeal to the leadership of political parties at various levels to include more women in their executive committees. We must promote policies capable of guaranteeing a conducive environment, a level playing field for women to thrive in politics. The policies should be tailored towards ensuring that women are not frightened out of politics. What I am saying is that there are ways we can increase the number of women’s participation in politics. They have started by through giving free expression of interest forms to women in some political parties. That is just a tip of the iceberg and a token for which we appreciate. We should inculcate more women in the party structure at the national level.
“Why can’t we have the National Secretary of PDP and other national parties as a woman? Why can’t we have a National Vice chairman of PDP and other parties as a woman? It is not just enough having national woman leader. Out of the 12 National Working Committee Members of the PDP, you have only one woman. Women are naturally peace makers, so having more women in the National Working Committee of parties will help to balance the equation and as well as reduce tension in the polity.”
Senator Nwaogu who expressed gratitude to President Goodluck Jonathan Goodluck Jonathan for appointing women to various political positions in the country, disclosed that it has been challenging experience to have 8 female senators in the midst of 109 senators and in the House of Representatives; 18 females against 360.
“The present administration under President Goodluck Jonathan has done well in appointing women into political offices. It is under his administration that the first female Minister of Petroleum was appointed; among other high ranking positions held by women. As for elective positions, I think it is low at all levels; local, state and federal governments. In the local governments as elected chairpersons, the number has been too low. At the State Houses of Assembly across the nation, there are no women at all in some states which is a very disturbing situation. At the National Assembly, we have 8 senators out of 109. For the House of Representatives, we have 18 female members out of 360 which is still a far cry from even meeting the 35% affirmative action. Out of the 36 states, we don’t have a female governor, it is about time to have one,” Nwaogu lamented.
She commended the efforts of the First Lady, Dr. Patience Jonathan towards the realization of the 35% affirmative action stressing that the First Lady has demonstrated a deep concern for the liberation of the womenfolk in Nigeria as well as Africa.
