By Hope Adeniyi
As Nigeria's upcoming Independence Day draws near, Amb Princess Asha Okojie, a prominent governorship aspirant, takes a moment to cast light on the persistent issue of gender disparity in Edo State Politics. In an insightful conversation with Amb Asha Okojie, she delves into the stark reality of unequal gender representation not only in Edo State but on a global scale. Her words underscore the urgent necessity for increased in female participation in politics.
Amb Asha Okojie begins by drawing attention to sobering statistics that unveil the varying levels of female representation in national parliaments across the world. She emphasizes the fact that while certain countries have made significant progress towards achieving gender balance in their legislative bodies, others, including Nigeria, are still far from reaching this goal.
"For instance, Rwanda serves as a remarkable example, with an impressive 61% of parliamentary seats held by women. Not far behind are countries like Cuba, the UAE, Mexico, New Zealand, and Iceland, all boasting 50% or more female representation in their legislatures. These nations act as shining examples of what proactive measures can achieve when it comes to promoting gender equality in politics".
However, Amb Asha Okojie does not turn a blind eye to the stark disparities that persist in many other nations, with Nigeria serving as a prominent case in point. In Nigeria, a mere 4% of women actively participate in running for political leadership positions. This statistic underscores the urgent need for a more inclusive approach to politics, one that goes beyond mere voting and actively encourages and supports women to engage in various facets of political processes.
Amb Asha Okojie firmly believes that Nigerian women hold the potential to make substantial contributions to their nation's governance and development. She passionately stresses the importance of empowering and inspiring more women to step forward as candidates for political offices, at both the state and national levels. Gender equality in politics, she insists, is not simply a matter of fairness; it is a strategic move to ensure that a broad spectrum of perspectives and innovative solutions are brought to the forefront of decision-making.
To address the existing barriers that hinder women's participation in politics, she advocates for a comprehensive approach that tackles cultural biases, financial constraints, and limited access to resources. With the right support and encouragement, Nigerian women can undoubtedly assume more prominent roles in shaping the future of their country through active involvement in political leadership.
Amb Asha Okojie's unwavering advocacy for gender equality in politics serves as a resounding testament to the transformative potential that arises when women are granted equal opportunities to participate in shaping their nation's destiny. She firmly believes that Edo State is poised to make history by electing its first female governor, building upon the legacy of prominent Edo politicians like Chief Anthony Enahoro and Ambrose Alli, who have paved the way for such achievements in the past.
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