NON GOVERNMENTAL ORGANISATION IDENTIFY CONTRAINTS OF WOMEN SEEKING POLITICAL POWER

He said, constraints in enhancing political participation which include gender discrimination has prevented women’s equal participation in power and decision making, poverty of women has prevented women from equal and effective participation in politics and decision making.

Other include; electoral malpractices such as rigging and violence have militated against women’s participation in politics, non-adoption of affirmative action in the constitution has widened the gap for women’s participation in decision making and money politics which makes participation in politics very expensive and beyond the income of women.

Penpushing further reports that Adefolahan also suggested number of solutions to address the problem which noted to include the need to present a united front, share information and experiences that will enhance the participation of women in politics.

He added that, women should strive to participate more actively in the political process, as the power determines all other facets of life (economy, religion, education), and therefore cannot be left to only one section of the society, ensure that their participation will continue to the transformation of society in a way that will lead to economic growth, balanced development and the education of poverty

The Executive Director also listed other ways to ensure women active participation of women: resist the temptation of acquiring money through corrupt means but instead seek support from individuals, groups, unions and political parties, support female aspirants irrespective of party affiliations and where there are no female aspirants, support male candidates on the condition that women will be appointed into positions on his assumption of office.

Women to set up political networking organisations, enlighten women on the need to support each other to achieve equal representation in major power locations. Use of all channels of mass communication to reach all women for effective participation in politics and to compete for elective positions.

Sensitize traditional and religious leaders to encourage women to participate in politics, implementation of affirmative action or quota, partner with the media, join political groups, aspire to contest and seek for political offices, and not to be use as praise singers