Pauline Tallen, the women’s affairs minister, has called on Nigerians, particularly the female folk, to vote for female candidates in the forthcoming 2023 general elections to enhance women’s political participation.

Ms Tallen stated this on the sidelines of the 77th session of the UN General Assembly.

“I want to say it louder and clear that women should focus more on supporting women in all the elections; women have been badly ignored. They have not been given their rightful place by all the political parties,” the minister stated. “I, therefore, call on women to ensure that for any woman that has been able to secure a ticket, we should all go out to support her.”

Ms Tallen added, “She (Aishatu Binani) is the only candidate I’m calling with a loud voice to mobilise support for and other women vying for various positions.”

According to her, women need to make history by voting for the only female gubernatorial candidate from Adamawa, Aishatu Binani.

Ms Binani became the first female governorship aspirant to win a primary election to represent a major political party (APC) in the forthcoming general elections.

Ms Tallen said women should rally support for Ms Binani to ensure she wins. The minister said has done well, and women need to push through their votes for Nigeria to produce the first elected female governor.

She added that women had a key role to play in ensuring a peaceful election and contributing to the country’s growth and development through their leadership skills.

“Women are peacemakers, and you know that every election, the success of every election depends on the participation of women and the youth. Women don’t just go with adult children. We ensure that our youth fully participate,” the minister explained.

On protecting women’s rights, Ms Tallen said the ministry had been advocating for publishment for sexual offenders, working with the security agencies, particularly the Nigeria Police.

“We have intensified advocacy to ensure that the Violence Against Persons Prohibition (VAPP) Act 2015 is fully domesticated across the 36 states. So far, we have about 35 states that have domesticated the VAPP Act and the Child Right Act in 34 states,” noted Ms Tallen. “That is a big breakthrough compared to when I assumed office that it was only nine states that had domesticated the VAPP Act and 12 states, Child Right Act.”

(NAN)