INEC marks International Women’s Day with call for gender equality in politics

The Independent National Electoral Commission, INEC, has commemorated International Women’s Day with a call for gender equality in politics.

Chairman of INEC Prof. Mahmood Yakubu, who was speaking during the event, in Abuja, underscored the Commission’s steadfast commitment to advancing the role of women in electoral processes and beyond.

In his address to a diverse audience comprising national commissioners, former commissioners, and representatives from various sectors,

Prof. Yakubu emphasized the theme of this year’s celebration: “Invest in Women: Accelerate Progress.” highlighting the urgent need to inspire inclusion, stressing the pivotal role women play in driving societal progress.

He said “the Commission is aware of the concern raised by Nigerians about the low level of gender representation in elective positions nationwide. The Commission shares this concern and we have consistently been urging political parties to redress the obvious under-representation of women, youths and persons with disability by nominating more of them as candidates for elections.

“To accelerate progress in this regard, I will go as far as calling on the National Assembly to introduce affirmative action as part of the electoral reforms that will ensure greater representation of women, youths and persons with disability in elective offices nationwide.

“In the weeks ahead, the Commission will engage with the Senate and House of Representatives Committees on Electoral Matters on this and other areas of reform.

“Today is International Women’s Day. As an equal opportunity employer, the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) is delighted to join the rest of the world to celebrate this auspicious occasion not in a symbolic way but as a practical affirmation of our commitment to deepening gender equality, representation, relevance, empowerment and a sense of belonging.

“The main theme of this year’s celebration is “Invest in Women: Accelerate Progress” while the campaign theme is “Inspire Inclusion”. Inclusion, in particular, has been a focal area of our commitment covering gender, youths and persons with disability. For this reason, the Commission has since developed and validated its gender policy with the full support of all stakeholders. We have also been dutifully implementing the gender policy in a practical way.

“It is not by coincidence that the two successive Secretaries to the Commission are women. Furthermore, the present Commission deliberately created a whole Department of Gender and Inclusivity in 2021 dedicated to the promotion of inclusive representation in the workplace and the electoral process. Today, out of 24 Departments and Directorates at the Commission’s Headquarters, 11 (representing 46%) are headed by women.

“We also have women serving as Administrative Secretaries in our State offices and Heads of various Departments at State level. There is also no State in Nigeria without women serving as Electoral Officers (EOs) in charge of our Local Government Offices.

“In addition to Departmental and other responsibilities, the Commission has also built and equipped a Crèche for the convenience of staff of all categories who are nursing mothers. By coincidence, the Crèche will be commissioned shortly as part of the activities for this year’s International Women’s Day. Our intention is to extend such a facility to our state offices as funds permit.

Also Speaking, Secretary to the Commission, Rose Orairan-Anthony, Sa’id “With technical support from The Electoral Hub, the Gender and Inclusivity Department has successfully aggregated data of the female members and director cadre staff of the Commission. The output of this exercise underscores the progressive gender-sensitivity of the Commission since 1999 to date.

“The commemoration of the 2024 International Women’s Day by the Commission reflects the importance that it ascribes to equity and inclusion both in the workplace as well as in electoral governance. Special thanks go to the Honorable Chairman of the Commission, Prof. Mahmood Yakubu, for promoting and ensuring a level and gender- friendly playing field and championing the cause of women within the Commission.

“Appreciation also goes to the members of the Outreach and Partnership Committee (OPC) for providing the needed support for women advancement within the Commission. They include Prof. Sani Adam, SAN; Dr. Baba Bila; Prof. Muhammad Sani Kallah, OON; and Prof. Rhoda Gumus.’

“The effort of the Secretary to the Commission, Mrs. Rose Oriaran-Anthony, is also acknowledged and appreciated, as her passion for gender equity is palpable and clearly apparent to all within her space. I also wish to appreciate the Special Adviser to the Honorable Chairman of the Commission, Prof. M. J. Kuna, who has consistently provided guidance to the Gender and Inclusivity Department on critical projects,”she said.