By Nasratu Kargbo
Members of the ECOWAS Female Parliamentarians Association (ECOFEPA) have called on members of the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS) to ensure that women are placed in decision-making positions across the region.
Speaking at a Town Hall meeting held in Abuja on the theme “Rejuvenate democracy by giving voice to the young people”, Executive Director of Goodluck Jonathan Foundation Ann Iyonu called on governments that are members of ECOWAS to ensure they increase female representation in their countries.
“There have to be conscious and deliberate efforts in changing the status quo”, she said, adding that they should increase the participation of women and youths in political positions.
Speaking on behalf of the Director General of the National Information Technology Development Agency Halima Musa said there is a gender gap in leadership, and referenced a report by the United Nation’s Economic Commission for Africa, that says women hold only 16.5% of parliamentary seats in West Africa and 9.8% of ministerial positions. She noted that it indicates a gender gap in leadership positions which according to her, should be urgently addressed.
Musa explained that there is a popular narrative that women do not support women, but was quick to explain her personal experience, saying she was mentored and supported by a woman.
She explained that having successful women leaders who can serve as role models and mentors for younger girls is significant in the course of empowering women and reducing the gender gaps in leadership positions.
Musa continued that this is important because these women can offer valuable and critical insights into challenges and opportunities that women encounter in leadership positions, adding that they can also provide guidance to young girls and ladies on how to successfully navigate those challenges.
She said it is significant to empower youths through leadership positions, as young people have fresh ideas and perspectives to create an inclusive, equitable, and progressive society. She stated that it can be achieved through policy reforms that are gender-sensitive and affirmative action policies, and laws that promote women’ s empowerment amongst others.
Musa said that through mentoring, younger women can build their confidence, develop essential skills and gain access to new opportunities.
“It is essential that we establish mentorship programmes and networks to support the next generation of women leaders and ensure that they have the support and guidance they need to succeed,” said Musa.
Explaining his expectations at the end of the town hall meeting, Speaker of ECOWAS Parliament Sidi Mohamed Tunis said “My sincere anticipation is that the days that have been allocated to this event would no doubt open a vista of hope for democracy in our region. I am optimistic that the lessons learned at the end of this town hall meeting would transcend our region”.
He said with the region’s vibrant and ambitious young population, there is a good reason to look up to the future.
Highlighting some of the strides made in the region to address gender issues, Tunis said Sierra Leone has made progress in ensuring that women are empowered. He explained that Sierra Leone’s President Julius Maada Bio had recently signed the Gender Equality and Women’s Empowerment (GEWE) Bill which is geared towards accelerating and guaranteeing the inclusion, representation, and participation of women in leadership.
He said, “We are hopeful that similar action will be replicated in all our Member States”.
Tunis said the ECOWAS Parliament does not take the role played by women and youth for granted, in the advancement of gender- equality, promoting social diversities and inclusion, drawing attention to specific issues such as the plight of street children, rising youth unemployment, and illegal migration.
He said under his leadership they have been working tirelessly with political stakeholders, CSOs, development partners, women, and youth networks, and ECOFEPA to ensure that the voices, aspirations, and inclusion of the women and youth in politics and decision-making got regional attention.
The two-day town hall meeting held on the 5th and 6th of May 2023 was organized by ECOFEPA with the aim of creating a platform for mentorship and networking of careers in politics and leadership and fostering a bond between ECOFEPA and young aspiring politicians. Over three hundred and fifty women and youth were in attendance.
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