ASHENEWS reports that a stakeholders meeting for the advancement of women’s inclusion in governance has been held in Niger State.
The stakeholder meeting which was held in Minna had in attendance political appointees and women leaders across Niger state.
Speaking during the event, the organiser of the program and Special Adviser to the Niger state governor on Women and Affirmative Action, Mary Noel said that the meeting was intended at providing a platform for women to interact and share their views and opinions regarding the present administration.
“It’s long overdue for us to come together as female members to see how we can chart a way forward in supporting the administration of Governor Mohammed Bago.”
The organiser said that the meeting also provided an avenue for women to rethink their attitude towards each other and rally support for their peers in the interest of empowerment and inclusion.
“From the outcome of this meeting, you will agree with me that issues were critically presented.
“Women are seen as the ones that are always against themselves but you know we are people that work with sincerity of purpose.
If you make us understand that this is a path to go, we will go with you.”
Noel stressed the role of unity among the female stakeholders.
“We want every woman to feel included and from the development plans of the governor, women will benefit in many areas such as infrastructure, health, agriculture etc.”
Speaking further, the Niger state commissioner of Women Affairs and Social Development, Titi Auta urged the women to remain resilient in the face of the current difficulties in the country.
She stressed that women must support their own to ensure their progress in the state.
“My message to women is to be very patient. We are in very difficult times and we must therefore be focused.
“We just have to learn to be one and accept one another. We cannot achieve any elective position without really loving one another and accepting each other. It’s not going to be possible so I am calling on all women to be more tolerant and be able to accept their fellow women and be able to support their fellow women. We need to show love and once we show love, by the next election, we don’t have to struggle is there something coming out of this.”
Some of the participants at the event pledged to take home the message and support their peers in the interest of women in the state.
“One of the greatest messages is unity. We can see that the women in the room are ready for this Unity,” Saadatu Bokani, a stakeholder said.
“The meeting is timely and I know it’s going to be a starting point for women in Niger. A lot has been said and I know the organizer has taken note and will communicate,” another participant, Zarah Abdullahi said.
