BIGIF, NILDS Advocacy Visit: Ekiti Assembly Pledges Legislative Supports Towards Womens Political Participation
Balm in Gilead Foundation for Sustainable Development (BIGIF) and Nigeria Institute of Legislative and Democratic Studies (NILDS) have received huge supports from the Ekiti State House of Assembly towards an enhanced women’s political participation.
The two non Governmental organisations (NGOs) hit the assurance during a landmark joint advocacy meeting held with the lawmakers.
The advocacy focused on mobilizing male voices to bolster women’s political participation in Ekiti State at all levels, particularly in preparation for the 2027 general elections.
The Executive Director of BIGIF, Tumininu Adedeji disclosed that the parley aimed to foster collaboration and advocate for pivotal legislative reforms to advance women’s political participation in Ekiti State.
The BIGIF Director also emphasized the importance of the Speaker’s leadership in rallying male support for women’s political participation and advocated for a legal-friendly environment to facilitate this objective.
The advocacy team was received by the Speaker , Rt. Hon. Adetunji Aribasoye, his Deputy – Rt. Hon. Olagbaju and 10 other members of the House. The Assembly’s Clerk – Barr. Ope Ajibola, and other principal staff of the Assembly were also at the meeting.
Among the issues addressed was the need to bridge gaps in existing laws, such as the Ekiti State Equal Opportunities Law (EOL), 2013, and the Ekiti State Gender Based Violence Law (GBVL) 2019.
Discussions also centered on aligning these laws with national standards, instituting Gender Responsive Budgeting, and addressing the vital aspects of women’s empowerment and rights promotion.
In addition the meeting underlined the necessity to incorporate sections 23 & 24 of the Violence Against Persons Prohibition (VAPP) Act, 2015, into the GBVL 2019 to safeguard women against political violence and violence by state actors.
In his remarks, Speaker, Rt. Hon. Aribasoye,assured of unwavering support and commitment to the initiatives aimed at advancing women’s political participation in Ekiti State.
He said the establishment of a “Centre for Women Development” at the Ekiti State House of Assembly, along with an economic empowerment scheme for the spouses of lawmakers in the state, underscored the House’s dedication to gender equality and women empowerment.
Emphasizing the potency of women’s participation in grassroots politics, the Speaker outlined the roadmap to fostering women’s political participation and affirmative action attainment, affirming his personal participation and contributions to the success of the outlined activities for the project at both the state and national levels.
He also pledged personal commitment in championing Ekiti men at the HeForShe Conference, illustrating his commitment to gender equality and women’s empowerment.
The speaker the House’s commitment to championing a legal-friendly environment for women’s political participation and representation in Ekiti State, ensuring the diligent consideration of proposed amendments when submitted to the Assembly.
He echoed the shared dedication to carving a path towards a future where women’s representation and participation in politics flourished, positioning Ekiti State at the forefront of transformative progress.
The collaborative advocacy between BIGIF, NILDS, and the Ekiti State House of Assembly stands as a testament to the unified commitment to fostering positive change and progress in the realm of women’s political participation in Ekiti State, marking a pivotal step towards a future where women’s voices resonate powerfully in the political sphere.