Nigerian Women Demand 35% Ministerial Positions in Buhari’s Government
A coalition of Nigerian women across various sectors of the economy are demanding 35% ministerial positions in President Muhammadu Buhari’s government as he constitutes his cabinet for second term in office.
The coalition made up of 35 groups led by Nigeria Women Trust Fund, Women Advocates Research and Documentation Centre (WARDC), Women in Politics Forum and Women FM Radio are reminding President Buhari of his promise on August 30 2018, during a meeting with female parliamentarians as well as at the Advocacy Summit where the implementation of 35 percent affirmative action was raised.
In an open letter to PMB, the coalition which also included:Network Of Reproductive Health Journalists Of Nigeria, NRHJN, Nigerian Women Trust Fund (NTWF). Ovie Brume Future Leadership Development, Proactive Gender Initiative (PGI), Project Alert On Violence Against Women, South- South Professional Women Association and Widows Development Organization (Wido).
Others are: Media Concern Initiative, ACTS Generation GBV, Adinya Arise Foundation (AAF), African Women’s Initiative (AWI), Alliances For Africa (AFA), Arise Nigerian Woman Foundation, Centre For Women’s Health And Information (CEWHIN), Change Managers International Network, HEIR Women Development, International Society Of Media In Public Health (ISMPH) and Christian Women For Excellence And Empowerment In Nigerian Society (CWEENS) amongst others.
In the statement, the coalition noted, “You assured us of your full support because according to you, this will improve the representation of women in our politics”.
Continuing, the women recalled the President saying, “women are dedicated and more principled and that you are confident women can make great leaders. Nigerian women are resilient and dedicated to their responsibilities”.
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The President was quoted as also desiring “an enabling environment for women to participate in political process as women constitute more than fifty percent of voters”.
The women appreciated PMB for his honesty and belief in Nigerian Women asking, “As you begin to put your cabinet together and
make appointments across parastatals and agencies, we urge you Mr. President to create a worthy legacy and appoint 35% Women across all boards.
“We believe that a step in this direction is critical now, given the fact that women representation in governance is as low as 4%”, the letter read in part.
The Nigerian women coalition urged the President to fulfil his promise so as to be remembered “for restoring true democracy to our dear nation and ameliorate lack of women in elective positions while achieving a Sustainable Development Goal for Nigeria. You will restore our faith that a more inclusive society that works for every citizen is possible under your leadership”.
The women noted, “Nigerian women are hopeful of your commitment towards fulfilling the promise for inclusion”.
