HFDI/ifa Partners Media on Advancing Women’s Political Participation Through Elected Candidates in Osun, Others

By Yinka Titilayo,

Hope for Family Development Initiatives HFDI and Institut für Auslandsbeziehungen, ifa has partnered media in Osun state on advancing women’s participation through elected candidates.

The HFDI/ifa project which focuses women in south west Nigeria, has its beneficiary states as Osun, Ekiti and Oyo.

Speaking at the media briefing, which held on Tuesday at the Nigeria Union of Journalists NUJ Secretariat in Osogbo the state capital, the Executive Director HFDI, Ambassador Dr Aremu Stephen Akinyele described the media men as critical stakeholders.

Represented by the Program Manager, Mrs Adeola Falana, the non-governmental organization opined that it is necessary that the clamour for inclusion of elected women, or aspirants in the selected states, be taken into consideration.

Adding that, despite the barriers women faces, using implementing targeted strategies, will result to more inclusive and representative political system that benefits all members of society, he laid emphasis on Women’s political participation as crucial for achieving gender equality and inclusive governance.

HFDI frowned at the significant gender disparities in political representation faced by the women, and asserted that empowering female elected candidates is essential for enhancing women’s voices in decision-making processes and promoting a more equitable society.

Listing the challenges faced as: Cultural and Societal Barriers, Lack of Financial Resources, limited Access to Education and Trainings, Institutional Barriers and Gender-based Violence and Intimidation, the organization said outlined strategies for Advancement, will aid stakeholders at all levels work collaboratively to support women’s leadership and ensure that women have an equal voice in shaping the future of our communities and nation.

The German government project by Institut für Auslandsbeziehungen ifa which is being implemented in Nigeria by Hope for Family Development Initiative (HFDI), targets capacity building trainings for women aspirants, town halls meeting with community stakeholders, consultative meeting with stakeholders and sensitization workshops for young girls on the importance of women’s involvement in politics.

Using collaborative efforts with other women’s groups to amplify voices, and have increased women’s involvement in grassroots political activities, a minimum of 100 women in campaign strategies, leadership skills, and political engagement will be used over the project duration, to achieve Women’s increased willingness to run for political roles at the local and national levels among others.

The media men at the media briefing pledged their support to amplifying the voices of the women till inclusion is accessible through the HFDI/Ifa project in Osun state.