Chuks Okocha in Abuja
The acting National Chairman of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), Iliya Damagum, has canvassed the possibility of a woman presidency,saying that men have failed in political administration.
National Woman Leader of the party, Amina Divine Apong, also called for an inclusive politics with women given more role in the affairs of administration in line with the 35 per cent Beijing Declaration.
Damagum who was represented by the National Secretary, Senator Samuel Anyanwu, at the lecture to mark the International Women’s Day said with the failure of men in the political administration of Nigeria, that it is a right time that opportunity is given to women.
According to Damagum, “The importance of mothers and the role of women cannot be overemphasised. Let me be sincere with you, if it is possible and I pray and I believe and hope that even if not in our own generation, I will like to see that one day a woman will become the president of this country and I say this with utmost sincerity and from the depth of my heart, because I can tell you that the menfolk have failed this generation.”
Reiterating the importance of women, he said, “In those days in the village, when there was a problem in the family we looked for our women, our wives, they are the people that come to make peace, so the importance of women cannot be overemphasised.
“In politics, that is why the founding fathers of PDP know the role of women and that is why today in Nigeria, no matter how you look at it, PDP is the most democratic party in Nigeria and Africa. This is the only party that gives opportunity to women to aspire to any position free of charge without buying any form. We do that because we want to encourage women.
“In the next dispensation of the NWC, I hope we have opportunity to have more women in the NWC, even if it means to give up my own position for a woman to take over I will gladly do that because we want an organisation where women can take advantage of their nature to take the country to another level.
“Today in Nigeria and all over the world women have been victims of war, see what is happening in Nigeria. See what happened in Nigeria yesterday, the women are suffering, that is why this International Women’s Day we are calling on all the men in Nigeria to support women,” he stressed.
Apong said that leadership’ is borne out of the dire need and advocacy for adequate female representation in politics.
According to her, “Women’s equal participation and leadership in politics are one of the kevs to the achievement of the sustainable development goals by 2030.
“According to the data made available by the UN, as at January 10th 2024, there are 26 countries where women serve as Heads of states or government, with only 15 countries out of 195 in the world. having a woman as Head of State and 16 having women as head of government which you will all agree is quite poor.
“Sadly, despite women being powerful agents of change with proven benefits, they have continued to be under-represented in politics, and other sectors. The importance of having women in leadership positions cannot be overemphasised as result has shown clearly that companies and organisations led by women seem to have fared better than their counterparts during times of financial crisis. Having women as leaders and decision-makers at all levels is critical to advancing gender justice, gender equality and furthers economic, social, and political progress for all,”she stressed.
“Women have also established themselves as a symbol of unity and cooperation, playing pivotal roles to the survival of a family which is a basic social organisation not forgetting to mention that women value accountability. Accountability is an important leadership quality. A leader who understands the value of accountability will not put the onus of any loss or blunder on individuals or members of their team or organisation,” she said.
She called for the empowerment of women to be financially independent and also create a monetary scheme that allows women to generate funds as a means of support for women who intend to run for elective offices.
She also called the appointment and elective positions within the party must be seen to reflect the 35per cent Beijing Declaration
According to her, “the 35 percent affirmative action enshrined in party constitutions and should not be restricted to only a position.
“Young women and girls must be groomed and encouraged not maligned and shut out of the political space. Getting them involved in projects, programmes, party activities and processes and affording them the opportunity to play key roles within the party will go a long way to motivate and prepare them for effective leadership.”
