An NGO, Legal Awareness for Nigerian Women (LANW) has inaugurated a political mentoring programme for no fewer than 300 women and young people in Kaduna State for effective participation in the 2023 General Elections.
The Project Coordinator, Mrs Hannatu Ahuwan, said at the launch of the programme in Kaduna on Thursday that it would be implemented under the “We-You Pro” project.
Ahuwan explained that the project was funded through ActionAid by the United Kingdom Foreign Commonwealth and Development Office.
She said that the campaign was specifically designed for women and young people in the political and governance process.
According to her, the goal is to contribute to an inclusive and responsive democratic process and outcomes through citizens-led actions towards the 2023 General Elections.
She explained that the monitoring programme was developed to support women and young people by strengthening their skills to enable them participate actively in party politics and run for elective offices.
“Our target is 300 women and young people. We have advertised for women and youths who are either already participating in politics or interested to do so to apply and be part of the mentoring programme.
“We had also contacted political parties to give us women and young persons within their parties who are interested in political mentoring to participate,” she said.
She said that the step had become necessary in view of the low level participation of women and young people in the political process.
She pointed out that political parties were opening spaces for women and young people to take up leadership positions.
“The low level of women and youth participation in politics has been attributed to lack of requisite skills and capacity needed to participate effectively and run for elective positions.
“We want to be strategic by providing a platform for women and youth to learn and acquire the skills and art of positive participation in politics rather than being used as praise singers or political thugs,” she said.
One of the mentors, Prof. Hauwawu Evelyn-Yusuf, Director, Gender Studies, Kaduna State University, said that the programme was timely, as more women would be encouraged to pick nomination forms.
Evelyn-Yusuf, a Professor of Criminology, expressed optimism for a positive participation of women and youth in the next general elections.
“This mentoring intervention will help the target group to become skilful in the art of leadership, especially in the political space, such that they will contest for elective positions rather than wait for appointments.
“This is a laudable programme and I encourage women and young people to take advantage of it,” she said.
Mrs Rebecca Sako-John, Permanent Commissioner, Kaduna State Peace Commission, said that women and youths’ participation in politics was a right and not a privilege.
Sako-John pointed out that Nigeria is a signatory to several international and regional commitments to promote women and youths’ participation in politics.
According to her, supporting active and purposeful participation of women in politics will promote social justice and equality of rights
“As we speak, there are states in the northwest without a single woman in elective office.
“Also worthy of note, Cross River has the highest number of women in its house of assembly with Kaduna State with just one female in the state assembly while some states do not have at all.
“So, when we reduce the representation gap, it will reduce inequality and promote social integration and inclusion”.
One of the mentees, Mr Tahir Goma, from Rigasa community in Igabi Local Government Area of the state, said he had registered with the All Progressives Congress (APC) as a member courtesy of the programme.
ALSO READ:Orji Kalu condemns Abuja-Kaduna train attack
“For now, I am doing my homework as a community mobiliser to see how I can effectively participate in party politics and move on from there,” he said.
