WOMEN CALL FOR ACCOUNTABILITY AS ANTIDOTE FOR LEADERSHIP, GOOD GOVERNANCE
She noted that the theme “Women Beyond Barriers” speaks to women in different ways ranging from a call to action for better future, to a reminder that women have the power to break through all cultural and socio-economic barriers as well as an opportunity to reaffirm the increasing number of women globally breaking barriers.
Similarly, Ekiti State Governor, Erelu Bisi Fayemi called for the immediate implementation of the National Gender Policy stating that if gender policy is implemented and domesticated in all States of the Federation, women would have a tool to hold the government accountable.
The Ekiti State first lady, also noted that, patriarchy is women’s worst enemy as it controls the political, economic, social, technological and religious expanse and makes women second class citizens, while in her own contribution, the Chief Executive Office of the Nigerian Women Trust Fund,( NWTF), Mufuliat Fijabi charged Nigerians to inculcate a system of accountability in which everyone will fall into and demand for better governance.
Penpushing further reports that, Fijabi decried the way lack of accountability affect the Nation’s reputation to international communities, and also in her own view Senator Abiodun Olujimi, Deputy Minority Whip said the time has come for women to rise up and take deliberate actions to increase their representation., stressing that when women start asking questions they become a pressure group to be reckoned with.
On her own view, Amina Salihu, Senior Programme Officer, MacArthur Foundation said accountability demands leadership and must begin from everyone while charging Nigerian Women to be angered and have burning desires to make something better out of bad situations. She said every person is responsible when his or her action is measurable as accountability and responsibility go together.
Also in her own submission, Saudatu Mahdi of Women’s Right Advancement and Protection Alternative (WRAPA) urged women to be involved and to make themselves relevant in the political space. Mahdi who was represented by Anisah Ari-Amunega, Senior Project Coordinator commended Women Radio 91.7 for the Voice of Women (VOW) initiative and for using it’s platform to amplify the voices of Women to reject lack of accountability.
The First Lady of Niger State, Amina Abubakar Bello, called for women to be more thorough and committed, bearing in mind that there are two important needs that should be met which are Social and Psychological, stressing that it’s not right for society to task women more, rather a level opportunity should be afforded.
Penpushing also reports that, another notable participant, Hajiya Salamatu Umar – Eluma commended Women Radio 91.7 for the initiative and stressed the need for women to demand more appointive and elective positions and showcase their worth to avoid being dismissed by their male counterparts.
In the same manner, Ndi Kato said platforms like the Voice of Women(VOW) Conference is laudable, giving women a platform to amplify their voice as they are part of decision making process and it is encouraging that women are taking more roles in politics and not just being women leaders.
The Chief Executive Officer and founder of Women Radio 91.7,Toun Okewale on her own part said the Voice of Women Conference has become a high level advocacy platform which brings together leaders and serving as nexus for the intersectionality of public, private and social sector in the advancement of an agenda that empowers women and their families.
