Political parties pledge to bridge gender inequality gap in Bauchi

By Ahmed AHMED

Political parties in Bauchi state have pledged to bridge the gender inequality gap among stakeholders and women’s participation in political processes of the state.

They made the pledge during Advocacy to political parties that comprises PDM, APC, PDP PRP and NNPP on implanting the community mobilization and strengthening the network of young women on women’s leadership and ending violence against women and girls.

That was organized by Attah sisters with the help hand ASHH foundation support by Nigeria Women Trust Fund (NWTF)funded by Ford Foundation in Ganjuwa LGA.

The political party pledged to support female political aspirants to help bridge the gap between men and women politicians in the state.

Speaking during Advocacy ,the representative of People Democratic Party (PDP) Mallam Uba said Political parties, especially our party are committed and working towards ensuring that women are well-represented in political circles as leaders and decision makers.

He said there is no arm of the government that has no woman representative and pledged to do all they can to bring more women on board and give them a good position.

On his part, representative of All Progressive Congress APC Alhaji Ribadi Mohammed reiterated the commitment of their Party to put down an effective structure through which women become politically engaged and get elected.

“Political parties’ practices, policies, and values can have a deep impact on women’s political participation and representation.

“We have women in our carbonate but most of the women are afraid to join politics because of one reason or the other which is not our fault.

“We can force them but with this awareness now we are ready to let them understand the importance of being part of us as politicians,” He said.

Also a representative of NNPP, Mr Ibrahim Hassan, pointed out that women’s inclusion in politics and leadership positions brings beauty to activities.

“Most of the women that want to be part of us their husbands, relations and even the society are against them so the fear of coming out to be part of politics is there.

“We will keep on encouraging them and see how they can be fully part of our leaders in this party and in our society at large,” He said.

Earlier, Mrs MaryAnn Emmanuel, team leader of the Advocacy, said the advocacy was to deconstruct the role of political parties in promoting gender equality and political participation.

“The role political parties can play in supporting women’s inclusion and participation in political processes at all levels.

“We want women to be part of leadership positions in our various parties and encourage Women participation in politics.

“Ensure women’s full and effective participation and equal opportunities for leadership at all levels of decision making in political, economic and public life,” Emmanuel said.

Also contributing, Hajiya Aisha Mohammed lamented that unequal representation of women in decision-making bodies is an obstacle to achieving gender equality in society.

She urged the political parties to promote women’s political participation,representation and good practices on ways to increase and strengthen their contribution to achieving gender equality in politics and the wider society.