By Eberechi Obinagwam
The Trade Union Congress (TUC) Women Commission has urged President Muhammadu Buhari to give women 35 per cent slot in his government.
In a statement by the national chairperson of the group, Comrade Hafsatu Shaibu said across the globe, women are under-represented in politics and decision-making at different levels.
She decried that presently in the ninth National Assembly out of the 109 senators, only 7 are women, just as in the House of Representatives where only 11 women are members out of the 360 seats that exist.
” The numbers have gone down compared to what we had in the 8th Assembly. The picture depicts a lopsided membership of the National Assembly in favour of the men. Women are still under-represented and marginalized in democratization in Legislative and Executive arms of Government.
“This trend is noticeable from the National level to states, down to Local Government levels, where few Women take the lead as Local Government chairmen and or Councillors. The record has it that no woman has ever become a President or Vice President in Nigeria,” she lamented.
Speaking further, she said, “It is globally recognised and accepted, that the inclusion of women in political participation and decision making is a fundamental aspect of modern democracy.
“Thus, their increased representation would go a long way to enhance benefits such as improved decision making across board, changes in certain policies, economic growth, enhanced conflict resolution and peacebuilding, hence a more egalitarian society.”
“You would recall, that Nigeria as a member of the United Nations signed and ratified the various relevant international instruments, treaties and conventions without reservations. These instruments have always emphasized that member Nations should put in place all the necessary structures needed to eliminate gender discrimination, ensure equality and human dignity to all men and women,” she said.
She appealed to the president to be considerate in his appointment of Honourable Ministers, Chief Executive Officers (CEO’s) of MDAs, and other principal officers in the formation of the cabinet which is currently ongoing based on his promise of carrying along with the women and youths in his administration.
She noted that the union will be very grateful if he would as well encourage the state Governors to extend the same gesture to the women and the youths at the states and local government levels in the appointment of commissioners, permanent secretaries, local government chairmen and other principal officers.
