A coalition of Civil Society Organisations (CSOs) in Bauchi is advocating for greater participation of women in the upcoming Local Government elections in the state.
The coalition, comprising Leadtots Development Initiative, Young Leaders Network, and Thamani for Women and Youth Development Initiative, emphasized the need for gender inclusivity in local governance.
During a news briefing in Bauchi on Tuesday, Executive Director of Leadtots Development Initiative, Mr. Nicholas Afeso, highlighted the importance of women’s representation in decision-making processes. He expressed concern that the under-representation of women leads to a democratic deficit.
“It has been proven time and again that diverse groups make better decisions, especially when representing the interests of citizens at the local level,” Afeso stated.
The Bauchi State Independent Electoral Commission has scheduled the council polls for August 19. Afeso urged Governor Bala Mohammed and the 18 political parties in the state to prioritize women’s inclusion in leadership roles within local government structures and political party affairs.
“As the council elections in the state draw near, we call on the Bauchi State governor, the ruling PDP, APC, and other political parties to prioritize gender inclusivity by ensuring the participation of women as candidates or, at least, deputies in all 20 Local Government Areas of the state,” Afeso said. “This call stems from the urgent need to meet the 35 percent affirmative action threshold set by the Nigerian Constitution, which aims to promote gender equality and ensure women’s meaningful participation in decision-making processes at all levels of governance.”
The CSOs commended the state governor for appointing women to key ministries and called for further strides towards gender parity. “It is imperative that such efforts are extended to the grassroots level, where local governance directly impacts the lives of citizens,” Afeso added.
“Women constitute a significant proportion of the electorate and possess invaluable skills and perspectives that can enrich policy-making and governance at the council level. By actively encouraging their participation in the electoral process, the state stands to benefit from diverse leadership that reflects the broader demographics and aspirations of its population.”
Afeso called on stakeholders, including political parties, CSOs, and the electorate, to support and advocate for the inclusion of women in leadership positions within the state’s local government structures.
