By Tina Agosi Todo, Calabar
Women Situation Room Nigeria (WSRN) has advocated the involvement of more women in the formulation of policies, both in the private and public sectors, towards achieving effective representation and fast-tracking development.
Founder of the organisation, Prof. Joy Onyesoh, made the call at a one-day capacity building training for the media, organised by WSRN, in partnership with UN Women and Canadian Government, yesterday, in Calabar.
Onyesoh, who made the call in her welcome address, also called for deliberate measures to ensure women occupy positions of authority.
She urged the media to help change the negative narratives, especially as it concerns women participation in politics, adding that women face challenges, including inadequate finance to match their male counterparts in the system.
In the same vein, one of the resource persons at the event, Mrs Diana Mary Nsan, said all hands must be on deck to protect women vying for political positions in Nigeria.
Speaking on the topic: “Effective gender reporting through understanding the dynamics of SGBY and VAWIP in elections,” she regreted that women concerns are not adequately addressed in governance structures in Nigeria, and called for a change.
Sharing her personal experience as a former House of Assembly candidate in Cross River State, the radio presenter said women should be given a sense of belonging in all facets of governance, instead of the usual stereotyping, bashing and discouragement from some Nigerians.
Another resource person and a journalist, Mr. Edem Darlington, called for a legal framework as practised in other African countries, including Rwanda, to ensure full participation of women in governance.
Edem, who decried challenges before every woman, said he believed in the capacity of an average Nigerian woman to lead, if given the opportunity.
Source: The Guardian