The Independent Na
tional Electoral Commission (INEC) is poised to ensure that women participate in the forth-coming general elections.
The resident electoral commissioner (REC) INEC Rivers, Dame Gesila O. Khan, made this  known in an address she delivered at a one-day sensitization programme for women groups in Port Harcourt recently.
According to the commissioner, the poor involvement of Nigerian Women in politics vis-à-vis their numerical strength  and relevance in governance, has propelled the commission to support them both as voters and candidates. Her  word., “Available statistics show that over 49% of the Nigerian population are women yet only  7% are involved in governance”, adding that Nigeria has a huge  resource base of women whose contributions are currently not being enjoyed.
Other reasons she advanced for supporting  women include their equal constitutional rights to political participation as men, increasing their  number in governance to fulfill Nigeria’s local and international commitments for gender  parity among others.
Advising women to organize themselves and start the process of active political participation  the resident  commissioner said this will foster progress for Nigeria’s development with men an women giving their best at all levels.
“The process of active participation will include  organising yourselves  as women, joining political parties, volunteering to work in campaign  team of women candidates, helping to organise, attend and give support at political rallies of women candidates, voting the right women candidates, defending your vote/mandate and finally, be willing to seek electable positions,” she said.
For Dame Khan, it is only when women get involved in governance  that they can best understand and represent  their interest and that of the society in general. Child  and maternal issues  would be addressed better, while stopping abuse and neglect of women’s rights will be a priority.
Meanwhile the Independent National Electoral Commission has further demonstrated  her commitment to gender matters by establishing  gender  desks across the 36 states adn FCT. She revealed that a gender document was launched by the commission to ensure gender mainstreaming within the commission while the commission is also working in tandem  with female-based organizations to ensure  free, fair and credible election.
The sensitization programme was a product of the commission’s commitment towards bridging the ever increasing  gender gaps  between men and women on the political  platforms and encouraging  more women to participate actively in the electoral process.