Tallen Seeks More Women’s Participation In Politics

The Minister of Women Affairs and Social Development, Dame Pauline Tallen, has called on Nigerians to create an enabling environment to enable women to actively participate in politics and leadership positions for the service of their fatherland.
Tallen made the call over the weekend in Lokoja, at a Two-day Awareness and Sensitisation Programme for Stakeholders to Support Women’s Participation in Kogi State Election, North- Central Zone.
Represented by Mrs. Victoria Lar, the Assistant Chief Social Welfare Officer (ACSWO) of the ministry, Tallen said that the meeting was to create awareness and sensitise the Kogites on the need to give women a chance in the forthcoming state election.
She stressed that the role of women in politics, governance and in nation-building cannot be over-emphasized.
Tallen reaffirmed the ministry’s commitment to building a Nigerian Society devoid of gender discrimination, that guarantees equal access to political, social and economic wealth creation opportunities; and placing a priority on protecting women’s rights.
The minister noted that Nigeria as a member of the United Nations (UN) had signed and ratified many international instruments, treaties, and conventions for women’s development.
According to her “ These instruments have always emphasized that member nations put in place all the necessary mechanisms needed to eliminate gender discriminations, ensure equality and human dignity to all, men and women.
“Nigeria as a member of regional and international comity of nations signed on to promoting and ensuring the protection and the participation of women in all facets of life.
“In Nigeria, from the national to state level, women’s leadership and political participation have been undermined. Meanwhile, Mrs. Christine Warioba of the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP), disclosed that the UN is partnering with the ministry of women affairs to promote women’s participation in politics that would enable them to be involved in decision making of governance.