Umar Damagum, head of the Peoples Democratic Party, PDP, has stressed the need for gender inclusivity in Nigerian leadership, expressing hope for a female president in the near future.
In his remarks, Damagun lamented the failure of male leaders to effectively serve the interests of the current Nigerian populace.
Represented by the PDP National Secretary, Samuel Anyanwu, Damagum delivered this statement at the PDP International Women’s Day 2024 commemoration held at the party’s national headquarters in Abuja on Friday.
IWD, a worldwide occasion, commemorates women’s accomplishments across social, economic, cultural, and political spheres, serving as a catalyst for advancing gender equality.
It sparks a plethora of activities globally, uniting communities to acknowledge women’s achievements and advocate for their rights to equality.
It is celebrated on March 8 annually. The official theme of the day for the United Nations is ‘Invest in Women: Accelerate progress’.
PDP’s sub-theme, “Empowering Women and Girls for Political Leadership,” arises from the urgent demand and campaigning for increased female presence in politics.
Damagum stressed the significant role of mothers and women, stating that it cannot be overstated while highlighting the PDP as the sole party providing opportunities for women to succeed.
PDP National Chairman stated, “The significance of mothers and the role of women cannot be overstated. Let me be sincere with you, I pray and hope that, even if not in our generation, one day a woman will become the president of this country. I say this with utmost sincerity and from the depth of my heart because I believe that the men have failed this generation.
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“In politics, that’s why the founding fathers of PDP recognise the importance of women. Today, in Nigeria, no matter how you look at it, PDP is the most democratic party in Nigeria and Africa. It’s the only party that provides women with the opportunity to aspire to any position without having to buy any form. We do this to encourage women.”
Earlier, PDP National Woman Leader, Amina Divine Arong, emphasised that achieving gender equality in political participation and leadership is essential for reaching sustainable development goals by 2030.
Arong said despite women being recognised as influential catalysts for positive change with demonstrated advantages, women still face significant underrepresentation in politics and other fields.
She said, “The importance of having women in leadership positions cannot be overemphasised as result has shown clearly that Companies and organisations led by women seem to have fared better than their counterparts during times of financial crisis. Having women as leaders and decision-makers at all levels is critical to advancing gender justice, and gender equality and furthers economic, social, and political progress for all.
“While it is important that we continue to advocate for the active participation of women in politics in Nigeria, it is also very key that we imbibe the culture of actively supporting women and girls into leadership positions as well as involve them in decision-making processes.”
She reiterated the importance of inspiring women to seek out leadership roles and ensuring they are adequately trained, prepared, and capable of effectively fulfilling such positions.
Moreover, she pointed out that women who are already in leadership positions have a role to play in enabling access to opportunities for growth and development.
She stated, “We must end discrimination against working mothers and break down maternal walls which are prejudices faced by working mothers and women seeking jobs.
“Empower women to be financially independent and also create a monetary scheme that allows women to generate funds as a means of support for women who intend to run for elective offices.
“Appointment and Elective positions within the party must be seen to reflect the 35% affirmative action enshrined in party constitutions and should not be restricted to only a position.”
She further noted the importance of grooming and encouraging young women and girls rather than maligning them and shutting them out of the political space. It was also suggested that involving them in projects, programs, party activities, and processes, and giving them the opportunity to play key roles within the party, would motivate and prepare them for effective leadership.