The Nigerian Governors’ Wives Forum has asked the Federal and State Governments to involve more women in policy and decision-making.
In a statement issued on Monday to commemorate 2021 International Women’s Day, the first ladies called on leaders to provide adequate resources for the empowerment, education, and training of women and girls.
The statement was jointly signed First Lady Ekiti State and Chair, Nigerian Governors’ Wives Forum, Erelu Bisi Fayemi; First Lady Niger State and Chair, Northern Governors’ Wives Forum, Dr Amina Abubakar Bello; and First Lady Edo State and Chair, Southern Governors’ Wives Forum, Mrs Betsy Obaseki.
The statement partly read; “We, therefore, call on the federal and state governments to demonstrate the political will to ensure that the needs of the Nigerian women are addressed, involve more women in policy and decision-making at all levels,
” Enact laws and policies for inclusion and non-discrimination to safeguard the interests of women, and where they exist, we call for full and adequate implementation.
” Involve more women in policy and decision-making at all levels and also provide adequate resources for the empowerment, education and training of women and girls , strengthen the National and State machineries responsible for women’s empowerment so that they can function optimally
” Support civil society organisations to work in partnership with the government and local communities for effective reach and impact.
” As Governors’ Wives,we will continue to support our husbands and remind them of their obligations towards the security, protection and empowerment of citizens, especially women.
” We will also engage with local communities and various stakeholderas to ensure that no woman is left behind.”
On the COVID-19 vaccine in the country, the governors’ wives sued for the cause of Nigerian women, noting that they should not be sidelined in the vaccination.
According to the First Ladies, they would be receiving the COVID-19 vaccine to show that it is safe for consumption.
“As we manage the fallout from the COVID19 pandemic during these difficult times, we call on all the authorities concerned to make the COVID19 vaccine widely available and ensure there is equity in access.
“The vaccine should not be yet another resource that women do not have easy access to in Nigeria. We also urge all women to take the vaccine when it is available, we ourselves will be taking the vaccine to demonstrate that it is safe,” they said.
