By Amina Ahmed
The Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) has advocated meaningful representation of women in electoral process in the country.
Naomi Yusuf, INEC Gender Desk Officer in Bauchi State, said this during a stakeholders’ engagement, on Wednesday in Bauchi.
The exercise is being organised in collaboration between the commission, Nigeria Union of Women Journalists (NAWOJ), and the League of Women Voters in Nigeria (NILOWV).
She said the commission initiated effective strategies to encourage women participation in electoral process at all levels.
Yusuf said women play critical roles in nation building hence they should be included in decision-making processes.
She urged women to take advantage of the ongoing Continuous Voter Registration (CVR) exercise, to obtain their Permanent Voter Cards (PVCs), to enable them to exercise their franchise in the forthcoming elections.
The Chairperson of NAWOJ, Rashida Yusuf, said the engagement was to empower journalists with adequate knowledge to disseminate information to women across the state
She said the campaign aims to strengthen and encourage positive participation in the electoral process.
”This will provide quality information for journalists and other women groups about activities of INEC, particularly as the commission commenced the display of names of registered voters.
“Women must understand the electoral process and take advantage of opportunities provided by INEC to register, update their records and participate fully in the elections,” he said.
Also, Zainab Mohammed, Chairperson of NILOWV, said the group had upscaled sensitisation to promote greater inclusion of women in politics and governance.
She said the organisation was conducting awareness creation activities including radio programmes, to sensitise women on the importance of participating in the democratic process.
“We want women to be included, to vote and be voted for.
”We want to see women actively participating in the political system regardless of political party affiliations,” she said. (NAN)(www.nannews.ng)