This week in collaboration with the Department for International Development (DFID) South West Nigeria Regional office, we at KIND hosted a conference on women’s participation in the upcoming local government elections in the South West region.
The program held on 11th and 12th of January 2017 at Ibis Hotel, 23 Toyin street, Ikeja.
DFID is a United Kingdom government department responsible for administering overseas aid. The goal of the department is “to promote sustainable development and eliminate world poverty”. In Nigeria, DFID funds many organisations who are working to end poverty through open competition.
Experts and gender development activists have continually advocated for the active participation of women in governance and other levels in the society. The aims of the conference and workshop included:
- To advocate and develop strategies that would work as sponsorship vehicles to ensure the target of greater participation of women in the coming local government elections.
- To engage with a wide range of political parties (multi-party system) towards a greater representation of women in every electoral process.
- Increase the tempo of mentoring for women politicians.
- Solicit support from other women’s groups, particularly women in business, towards a solid financial base for women politicians aspiring for elective positions.
Below are photos from the conference:
Great initiative. LETSEMA in Botswana is tackling similar issues. Viva women power across Africa.
These linkages between women’s economic, social and political power are underexplored and usually treated in siloes – but we think they are critical to women’s leadership and influence.