Women drum support for female president in 2019

Women drum support for female president in 2019

Women in Sokoto State on Wednesday, March 9, called on Nigerians to elect a female president in 2019 to address alleged political marginalisation of women.

The women spoke in Sokoto on Wednesday at a rally to mark the 2017 International Women’s Day.

The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that the Day had the theme: ”Be Bold for Change.”

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A Professor of Educational Psychology, Aishatu Madawaki, who spoke on behalf of the women, urged that women should be given more opportunities to contribute to national development.

Madawaki, who teaches at the Usmanu Danfodiyo University, Sokoto, said: ”Women should be given more spaces.

”For any development to take place, there has to be gender equity; hence, women should be given more chances to contribute to the political and socio-economic development.

”Women are very peaceful, tolerant, incorruptible and patriotic.”

Gov. Aminu Tambuwal, represented by the Secretary to the state government, Prof. Bashir Garba, said that the government gave priority attention to women, children and other vulnerable groups.

Tambuwal also said: ”Women creditably play roles in the political and socio-economic development of any society.

“When given the chance, women perform excellently like men. Sokoto State will not discriminate against women.’’

Tambuwal called on Nigerian women to participate more in politics and other spheres of national development.

The Speaker of the state House of Assembly, Alhaji Salihu Maidaji, said that women had contributed immensely to humanity.

Maidaji, represented by the House Leader, Alhaji Garba Bello, said, “Over the years, women have been relegated to the background in politics, education, public service and business.’’

In a message, the Executive Director of the United Nations Fund For Population Activities (UNFPA), Dr Babatunde Oshotimehin, said: “Gender equality is a human right.’’

Oshotimehin, represented by the Head of the Kaduna Sub Office of UNFPA, Mrs Mariama Darboe, said that women were entitled to live in dignity and freedom from want, fear and discrimination.

”Gender equality is vital to sustainable development and security. It is not just a women’s issue, it is an issue for all humanity.

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”Sadly, despite some progress, the world still has a long way to go to achieve full gender equality.”

NAN reports that International Women’s Day is for global celebration of social, economic, cultural and political achievements of women. It is also for gender parity.

The United Nations began celebrating International Women’s Day in 1975. In 1977, the United Nations General Assembly invited member-states to proclaim March 8 as the UN Day for women’s rights and world peace.