60 Women Lead Political Sensitization in Cross River Communities
2 min read
by Irene Offiong, Calabar
In preparation for the forthcoming local government council election, more than 60 women have commenced grassroots sensitization and mobilisation for female candidates in Cross River State, southern Nigeria.
The women and youths, who were trained by the Gender and Development Action (GADA), a women’s rights organisation championing the cause of equality, inclusivity and representation, disclosed this at a recent review meeting held in Akpabuyo local government area.
The acting Programme Manager of GADA, Ms. Nnenna Ugbor told journalists in Calabar the capital of Cross River State that during the review meeting selected representatives of the women presented their report on the achievements made in the communities.
Ugbor stated, “the meeting was a follow-up on the action points set by the women themselves during a previous training session, particularly focusing on active political participation and preparations for the upcoming local government elections in Cross River State.”
She further explained that the women’s achievements were reflective of the knowledge acquired during previous GADA engagements in the locality, noting “one key outcome of the review meeting was the women’s impact in their communities. From spearheading community empowerment, advocating to stakeholders for policy change to positive community engagements, these women have been at the forefront of driving positive change at the grassroots level.”
According to her, GADA was creating opportunities for grassroots women to acquire political and leadership skills as well as continuously paving the way for increased female representation in political and decision-making processes.
She continued, “the women reached 800 people during house-to-house sensitization on political participation. Like I explained earlier, GADA educated and empowered 60 women with adequate knowledge to take up vital leadership positions.
“Altogether, these women have carried the message to 1,120 women and youths; stressing the importance of education and self-reliance. Also, 20 women have taken political education to churches. They have integrated the message in churches to enhance women’s participation in decision making processes,” she disclosed.
Ugbor emphasized the the organisation would continue to support and guide these grassroots women to reach more women and others to encourage greater participation as aspirants, candidates and voters during the local government elections.
She said that at the meeting the women shared their experiences on the challenges and steps taken to surmount the barriers as well as proffered workable solutions and the way forward.
