The Women’s Rights Advancement and Protection Alternative (WRAPA) is pushing for a political framework that amplifies the voices of all citizens, with particular emphasis on women, youth, and persons with disabilities (PWDs). This call for inclusivity was articulated during a recent community engagement focused on gender inclusion in elections, held in Ogun-East.

Community Engagement Highlights

The event gathered participants from several local government areas, including Ijebu-Ode, Ijebu North, Ijebu East, Odogbolu, and Ijebu North-East. Themed “Building a Future with Women: Where Equity, Participation, and Representation Thrive,” the session was designed to bolster women’s involvement in Nigerian politics.

Keynote Address and Insights

Mrs. Taiwo Adebanjo, the Executive Director of Ray of Hope Community Foundation and zonal coordinator of the 100 Women Group, emphasized the urgent need for women’s active participation in politics. In her keynote speech, she stated:

“We need to understand the importance of women in politics and governance. To recognize the provisions of the Uwais Electoral Reform and National Gender Policy and to identify major barriers to women’s political participation and leadership.”

Goals of the Event

One of the primary objectives of the gathering was to recognize and analyze the barriers hindering women’s ascension to leadership roles in politics and to formulate actionable strategies that support female candidates and foster gender-inclusive electoral processes.

Interactive Discussions

The engagement included interactive sessions aimed at encouraging participants to express their views on the political climate affecting women in Nigeria. Discussions covered the significance of the women’s voting bloc and the role of citizens in advancing inclusive leadership.