Female journalists in Imo State have been urged to champion the promotion of Thirty-five percent affirmative ction inorder to encourage meaningful women involvement in appointive and elective positions of the country.
The call was made by a non-governmental and human right group, Alliances for Africa (AfA) during a one-day media round table interactive meeting organised by the group in partnership with Civil Society Legislative Advocacy Centre and MacArthur Foundation held in Owerri, yesterday.
Speaking, AfA Executive Director, Ms. Iheoma Obibi, represented by the Programs Manager, Mrs. Blessing Duru, disclosed that the meeting became necessary in order to deepen public awareness and understanding of the National Gender Policy of 2021 – 2026 in the state.
She expressed worry over the gender disparities especially in legislative arm of state, “where no female was elected among the 27 Lawmakers in the state 10th assembly.”
According to her, “there is need to engage stakeholders especially women as advocates in the promotion of the 35 percent affirmative action. And for us in AfA, we see female media practitioners as critical stakeholders in the realization of this goal.”
Ms. Obibi further said, “this meeting seeks to enhance public understanding, promote fair reporting and contribute to the broader societal conversation on affirmative action’s role in achieving equitable opportunities, thereby dismantling systemic barriers for marginalized groups.”
“It is organised to afford the participants the opportunity to identify key challenges facing Imo women as well as profer solutions with emphasis on the importance and need to promote the National Gender Policy’s 35% Affirmative Action.”
“Some of such challenges are inadequate women empowerment, gender inclusion, poor political representation and violence against women and girls which undermines the security and well-being of women, therefore contributing to a culture of fear that affects the mental and physical health of the survivors.
She stated that, ” the affirmative action is a social inclusive mechanism, that aims at achieving equitability in political representation, education, workforce, healthcare, adding that insufficient representation of women in Political decision making processes hinders the development of policies that address the specific needs and concerns of women.”
“Additionally, gender disparities in education and the workforce limit the full economic potentials of women. Tackling these challenges, she said, could contribute significantly to national economic development.” she added.
The participants including Mrs. Dorothy Nnaji, Chairperson, National Association of Women Journalists, NAWOJ, Imo State Council among others agreed on the necessity of promoting the affirmative action and resolved to provide different platforms for diverse perspectives on the issue.
