By Iliya Kure
Acting Governor of Kaduna State, Hadiza Sabuwa Balarabe has enjoined political stakeholders in Nigeria to create a level playing ground for women to participate in politics, saying many women have the ability to succeed in the arena like their male counterparts.
“For women to be able to participate along men in political and economic systems which are obviously bias, we must canvass for empowerment so that we can strengthen ourselves and push through the thick walls that men have put for us,” Balarabe said in Kaduna, at the 2022 International Women’s Day celebration organised by National Council of Women Society (NCWS).
Balarabe who encouraged women to take active role in politics, lamented that many of them were slow in taking steps on key issues, especially in the present dispensation, forgetting that in the past women were not allowed to vote or to be voted for.
“We should be our sisters’ keepers, have it in mind at all times that it should be one for all and all for one. Women need to realize that the men around us are our partners so we need to get them to support women whenever the need arises especially when contesting for political offices,” she stressed.
Speaking on the 2022 theme, “Gender Equality Today for a Sustainable Tomorrow”, Balarabe called on people to reflect on challenges, struggles of women and seek a better future for younger generation.
She commended the empowerment program by NCWS, saying, it is part of global action for women advocated for by the international community.
Balarabe urged the organisers to do more towards ensuring all girls attend school to be empowered and achieve their desired goals.
“There are a lot of women that have made so much sacrifices for us to be here today, hence, the need for sober reflections and how we can liberate the future generations of women.”
Speaking, Kaduna State President of NCWS, Zainab Hassan, said NCWS would promote women participation in politics and governance, as well as empower them towards self-reliance.
She said the organisation chose to mark the 2022 celebration by empowering women that attended their skills acquisition workshop.
According to her, plans are underway to awaken and encourage women to realize their responsibilities to the community and the nation in general.
