Joe Okei-Odumakin, president of the Women Arise for Change Initiative, has called for a deliberate policy direction to implement the 35 per cent affirmative action for women in public governance.

Ms Okei-Odumakin made the call in an interview with journalists in Lagos on Sunday.

The rights activist said the move was crucial for achieving social inclusion and eliminating entrenched barriers against women in politics and public service.

Ms Okei-Odumakin emphasised that Nigeria, as a signatory to various international instruments, conventions, and treaties, must implement measures to eradicate gender discrimination and ensure human dignity and equality.

She noted that 35 per cent affirmative action was a key step toward achieving the goals.

Ms Okei-Odumakin advised the government to implement a gender quota to boost women’s political participation.

According to her, legislated gender quotas can effectively increase women’s representation in politics.

She harped on the need for governments to take steps to prevent violence against women in politics and ensure accountability for perpetrators.

Ms Okei-Odumakin also urged the government to show support by investing in capacity-building programmes for women candidates and regulating campaign financing to promote equal participation.

For women to succeed in politics and create lasting change, the rights activist advised on the importance of organisation, resilience, perseverance, and collaboration.

“It is time to shift the narrative. Our women must organise more and agonise less.

“We have to support ourselves. Resilience, perseverance, intelligence, hard work and collaboration is key,” Ms Okei-Odumakin said. 

(NAN)