Concerned northerners lament exclusion of women from NWDC board

A Coalition of concerned northerners has raised alarm over the exclusion of female representatives from the governing board of the North West Development Commission (NWDC).

Describing the development as a slap in the face of northern women, they noted that the appointment goes against the grain of the National Gender Policy, reminding the President of his promise of at least 35 percent affirmative action for women in his appointments.

In a statement signed by Asma’u Joda, Saudatu Mahdi, Maryam Uwais, Aisha Oyebode, Amina Salihu, Mairo Mandara, Qadriyya Ahmed, Fatima Akilu, Rabi Jimeta, and Habiba Mohammed, they described the appointment as a blatant disregard of the female voice, which also speaks volumes about the mindset of those who are in charge of the nomination process

“The recent announcement by President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, GCFR, appointing the Governing Board of the North West Development Commission (NWDC) should have been a historic step towards regional development,” it said.

“Instead, it feels like a disheartening slap in the face of Northern Women. Not a single female name appears among the nominees forwarded to the Senate for confirmation.

“It goes against the grain of the National Gender Policy, the President’s promise of at least 35% affirmative action for women in his appointments and all sense of justice and equity.

“Northern Nigeria has a rich history of formidable female leaders, professionals, and activists who have tirelessly championed socio-economic progress.

“Indeed, numerous women exist who, through sheer determination and resilience, have driven initiatives to educate the girl child, combat malnutrition, reduce maternal and infant mortality, as well as address sexual and gender-based violence and the escalating mental health challenges.

“In every sphere of competence, across finance and accounts, public administration, the judiciary, good governance, health, education, data analysis, business, technology, advocacy, and peace-building, you find women excelling by applying themselves in the diverse fields. Their glaring absence from the NWDC Board is profoundly telling and troubling.

“The blatant disregard of the female voice also speaks volumes about the mindset of those who are in charge of the nomination process. Indeed, it probably conveys why, in fact, the North West region is lagging furthest behind on so many human capital indices.

“The statistics are alarming, to say the least. The multi-dimensional poverty ratings in those 7 States range from 72 percent to 90 percent.”