Member Adiguve, the coordinator of the Young Women in Politics Forum in Benue, has called for more women’s participation in politics.

Ms Adiguve said on Sunday in Makurdi that women should stop restricting themselves to the position of women leaders in politics.

The coordinator urged women to aspire to occupy all positions within their political parties and the government.

She said the forum was already conducting extensive public enlightenment across the 23 local councils, educating women on the need to join active politics.

Ms Adiguve stated that the forum was also pushing for the full implementation of the 35 per cent affirmative action on women in the state.

“We are monitoring the current bill before the National Assembly, which advocates for reserved seats for women in elective positions. When the bill is passed and signed into law, we will lobby for its domestication in the state,” she said.

Elizabeth Achagh, chairperson of the Nigeria Association of Women Journalists in Benue, also called for women’s involvement in decision-making to enable them to contribute their quota to the country’s development.

According to Ms Achagh, the role of women in nation-building cannot be overemphasised, as they bring a unique perspective to issues of development.

“Over the years, women have proven their worth when given the opportunity to serve the nation, and examples are the late Dr Dora Akunyili, Oby Ezekwesili, and Ngozi Okonjo-Iweala, to mention just a few.

“A woman is a hard-working, resourceful, resilient, and committed average Nigerian who can go all out to work for the development of the nation.

“Unfortunately, the level of participation and representation of women in the country’s politics has continued to dwindle, and this does not augur well for a country that prides itself as the giant of Africa,” said Ms Achagh.

The chairperson stressed the need for the ‘Her-seat in Parliament’ bill as an opportunity for the country to get it right.

Ms Achagh described the bill as strategic in ensuring an equitable, just, and fair inclusive society, where women would have a seat at the decision-making table.

(NAN)