IWD: INEC Seeks More Inclusion Of Women In Government
Princess-Ekwi Ajide
The Independent National Electoral Commission, INEC, is urging the President Tinubu led administration to adhere to the National Gender Policy of 35% affirmative action in the country by making favorable considerations for women in its appointments.
The Chairman of INEC, Professor Mahmood Yakubu, who made the call while commemorating this year’s International Women’s Day, with the women in the commission in Abuja also called on the National Assembly to introduce affirmative action as part of the electoral reforms that will ensure greater representation of women.
The INEC boss who spoke on the theme “Inspire Inclusion; Invest in Women: Accelerate Progress”. The Chairman noted that, the Commission is aware of the concern raised by Nigerians about the low level of gender representation in elective positions nationwide hence it had consistently urged political parties to address the obvious under-representation of women, youths, and persons with disability by nominating more of them as candidates for elections.
According to him, in order to accelerate the progress, in weeks to come, the Commission will engage with the Senate and House of Representatives Committees on Electoral Matters on electoral reforms that will ensure greater representation of women, youths, and persons with disability in elective offices nationwide and other areas of reform.
The National Commissioner and Chairman, of the Outreach and Partnership Committee, OPC, Professor Kunle Ajayi, said the theme “Celebrating Women in Election Management; Public Service, Knowledge, and Mentorship” is apt, noting that despite the series of targeted interventions to ensure equal participation and representation in the electoral process the country still lags behind.
Some efforts by INEC to ensure women inclusion in the Commission include the establishment of the Gender and Inclusivity Department, to give gender and inclusivity matters in the electoral process a new focus for enhanced insight and multi-stakeholder-based approaches on contemporary gender and inclusivity responsive issues in the country.
The Department which is headed by a female Director with about 70% of women constituting the staff composition, is replicated in all INEC offices in the 36 States and the FCT.
Others are, launching of the revised INEC Gender Policy, IGP, which seeks to respond to the emerging dynamics and demands of the present society, and to strengthen the institutional capacity of the Commission as a gender-sensitive government agency, which is responsive in its policies, practices, and its relationship with stakeholders, as well as getting political parties to mainstream gender equity in their operations and public spaces, adoption of 35% affirmative action by the Commission, consistent organization of training for the Gender Desk Officers of the Commission, partnerships and series of engagements with gender-focused organizations.
Presently, the Commission is looking at a more scientific and data-based approaches to addressing the gender gaps that persist in the electoral space.
The Commission is however, ready to provide actionable recommendations for the advancement of gender equality and women empowerment in the country.
