29/10/2024
GENDER SENSITIVITY IN DEVELOPMENT PLAN AND POLICY REFORM IS KEY
- BY SHOLA IYIOLA -
To address the persistent gender gaps in line with the country’s national and international commitments, UN Women, with funding from the Government of Canada has prioritized multiple partnerships to increase women’s participation in politics and public life in Nigeria.
I'm privileged to be a part of the program which was held on the 18th, September 2024.at Mosan Okunola LCDA Lagos, themed: " **Female Legislators constituency outreach"* organized by the National Institute for Legislative and Democratic Studies with support from the UN-Women and the government of Canada, facilitated by Hon Mrs Adebule (Lagos -west Senatorial District)
The ever elegant, level-headed and unassuming first Lady, Ejigbo LCDA (Mrs Fatima Bello OBE) led our delegation from Ejigbo LCDA and never let down Ejigbo women fold in her assertion and dispositions to further enhance gender sensitivity not only in partisanship but all ramifications of life endeavors.
She's such an Amazon! More power to your elbow ma🙏
Through this Call, UN Women seeks to build and support partnerships with Nigerian women in their diversities; communities, relevant government agencies and departments; public sectors, cultural and traditional leaders; political parties; women movements, coalitions, organizations; civil society; faith-based organizations; and media sectors to support and catalyze such actions that will enhance inclusion of women’s voice and their representation and participation in leadership and political processes. The call also focuses on supporting gender-sensitive reforms to ensure that affected communities, especially marginalized women and persons with disabilities benefit from, and are fully engaged to advocate and participate in the development of policies, legislation and programs.
For all that I learned in the program - having realized the need to encourage women's inclusion and representation in leadership positions, in a nut shell, it's pertinent to note that the compassion and fondness naturally inherent in women will go a long way in ensuing transparency and accountability in social contract if given more chance, (a little more in number than ever)
I'm a mother and I understand that the bond (love) between *mother and child* can never be underestimated - she would never allow her child go to bed hungry", instead she would starve herself.
On a final note, I must urge fellow women to respect culture in any position conferred on us. Culture is our identity any where we go under the plannet earth.
My profound appreciation goes to the award braking chairman of Ejigbo LCDA, Alhaji Monsurudeen Oloyede Bello (Obe); his virtuous wife, Mrs Fatima, first Lady Ejigbo LCDA; WAPA HOD, Ejigbo LCDA and the woman leader, Ejigbo All Progressives Congress party for giving me this ample opportunity to enhance my scope.
Ejigbo LCDA, we hail thee!
Ejigbo LCDA, we can do better!!
