Commemorating International Women’s Day, IRIAD-the Electoral Hub has intensified calls for the inclusion of women in decision-making bodies and ensuring equal opportunities in politics.
In a statement on Friday, February 8, Princess Hamman-Obels, the Hub’s Director urged stakeholders at all levels to foster a culture of inclusivity that values the voices and perspectives of women.
“We encourage individuals globally to invest in women, amplify their voices, and strive toward a future where gender equity is not merely an aspiration but a tangible reality,” the statement said.
Commenting on the theme; ‘Invest in women: Accelerate Progress’ Hamman-Obels said it served as both a reminder of the progress made toward gender equity as well as the work that still needs to be done to ensure that women have equal rights and opportunities in all aspects of life.
IRIAD-the Electoral Hub announced a collaboration with the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) Gender and Inclusivity Department to host an event that would celebrate and acknowledge the contribution of women in election management.
It said; “We are acknowledging the contributions of the 77 women who, since 1987, have held leadership roles in INEC as Federal/National Commissioners, Resident Electoral Commissioners, Secretaries to the Commission, Directors, and Administrative Secretaries for all they have done and continue to do to deepen electoral governance and integrity in Nigeria.
“We are also celebrating women who broke glass ceilings by being the first in their fields to make landmark achievements while paving the way for others. These women, including politicians, academics, and professionals in the corporate world, have shown that even under difficult conditions, women contribute positively to development.
“Investing in women to accelerate progress would, therefore, mark a significant step toward unlocking the full developmental potential of society.”
IRIAD which stands for Initiative for Research, Innovation, and Advocacy in Development/The Electoral Hub is a not-for-profit, non-governmental multidisciplinary knowledge and advocacy hub.
“It is focused on developing a critical understanding of governance processes and regimes from research and documentation to inform policies, advocacies, and other forms of development interventions,” information on its website stated.
