NIGERIAN WOMEN CALL ON BUHARI TO REDEEM PLEDGE OF 35% AFFIRMATIVE ACTION FOR THEM

‘On 30 August 2018 at the “Women Political Aspirant Advocacy Summit” in Abuja you pledged to implement the Gender Affirmative Action Policy that guarantees 35% women representation. At the summit, we spoke about including more Women into government and the need to be intentional and deliberate to elect and appoint more women’.

The Women reminded Buhari that, they expressed concerns about the receding tide of women representation within Nigerian political parties and it’s implication for the development of Nigeria and for us as a global player.

‘We had hoped that an intervention was still possible from your esteemed office, but this did not come into fruition and our fear was confirmed when the outcome of the last election moved our nation backward in gender inclusion and landed Nigeria on the Global shame list’.

‘This abysmal performance and disenfranchisement of Women aspirants and the few who emerged as candidates in the 2019 general elections was indeed discouraging. Your Excellency Sir, hope is however not lost. As a country, we still have a golden opportunity to cushion this shock’.

‘Sir, your entire life is a testament of commitment and will-power to make a difference – this is how you have come this far. If there is anything we hold to be true about you, it is sacredness of your promise, that your word is your bond; and that character, not wealth, power or position is of supreme worth to you. Therefore, as you have pledged on 30 August 2018 and during your election campaign, we ask that you redeem your pledge’.

We urge you to remember your promise to Nigerian Women and implement the 35 percent Affirmative action as stated in the Nigeria National Gender Policy (2006) by appointing more Women as Ministers, Heads of Parastatals and Agencies in your administration.

‘You will be remembered as the one who took Nigeria out of the global shame list  of poor representation of women in  governance while fastracking Nigeria’s realisation of the Sustainable Development Goals.

‘Your victory at the polls as declared by the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) makes evident the confidence reposed in you by Nigerian Women and Nigerians generally and our faith that a more inclusive society that works for every citizen is possible under your leadership

Penpushing also reports that, signatories to the letter include; Toun Okewale Sonaiya (CEO Women Radio 91.7), Mufuliat Fijabi (CEO Nigeria Women Trust Fund) and Ebere Ifendu (President Women In Politics)