The Ogun State Deputy Governor, Engr Noimot Salako-Oyedele has encouraged women in governance on need for continuity to push for legislative reforms that will break systematic barriers in a bid to gain gender parity in Nigeria.
Penpushing reports that she made the call at the All Progressives Congress(APC) Women Summit held at banquet hall, Aso Rock, Villa, Abuja, Federal Capital Territory(FCT), with the theme ‘Empowering the Next Generation of Female Leaders: Building Political Networks for Collective Success’.
The number two citizen of Ogun State in her keynote address pointed out that one of the greatest responsibility for women in governance today is to empower the next generation of female leaders, stressing that it had become imperative that the road to lead to leadership is made smoother for them than it had been in their own time.
“Our presence in politics today is not by accident, it is has a result of the tireless efforts of strong women who came before and who despite incredible challenges such as societal resistance, exclusion and often hostility pressed on for us to have the opportunity we have today’, she said.
Penpushing further reports that Salako-Oyedele pointed out that the struggle for gender-responsive policies must remain central to all advocacy as women leaders adding that representation mattered, hence, there must be power and a good platform in the drive to effect real change.
The Deputy Governor while educating those present on the role of the He-for-She men folks who champion and understand that a balanced society profits everyone, used the Ogun State example explaining that Governor Dapo Abiodun recognized the need for gender diversity and made a conscious decision at ensuring his running mate was a woman hence her emergence as his Deputy.
Penpushing also reports that she noted that men like them appreciate that women advancement was not a zero-sum game but rather for the entire society at large, their partnership in her words was a reminder that lifting women into leadership roles was a collaborative effort that could only ensure women get the opportunities they deserve.
The Deputy Governor appreciated the leadership of the Women of the All Progressives Congress(APC) led by the First Lady of Nigeria, Senator Oluremi Tinubu and the National Woman Leader Dr Mary Idele Alile, for doing a good work in bringing women’s voices to the forefront of the party’s agenda, adding that it was an invaluable time to reflect, engage and strategize on ways to chart the appropriate course for women in leadership and politics in Nigeria.
Penpushing reports that the first lady Senator Oluremi Tinubu in her remarks, admonished those present on the principles and qualities of good leadership, especially by women which include, integrity, hard work, and compassion asking them to rally around other women seeking elective positions, encourage them, and actively support them.
The wife of the President advised that they should avoid creating imaginary limitations and focus on their innate potentials by persevering, supporting one another, and working diligently this she said will help shape the future of women in politics if done right.
Penpushing further reports that she urged the National Woman Leader of the Party to join hands with other State Women Leaders to make a presentation to the National Assembly to further push for legislation to increase the quota of women that must have seats at the assembly.
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