THE National Association of Women Journalists (NAWOJ) has urged presidential and governorship candidates to pick women as their running mates for the 2023 general elections.
Ladi Bala, national president of the association, made the call in a statement released in Abuja.
According to Bala, considering male candidates as running mates would not only negate the contribution of women to nation building, it would also derail the campaign for gender equality in Nigeria.
“NAWOJ wishes to commend all registered political parties for successful conventions and election of their presidential flag-bearers. While NAWOJ applauds the processes and the demonstration of the sense of responsibility by the political parties in the conduct of their primaries, there is, however, the need for a gender sensitive representation in the entire political equation and balancing.
“There is no gainsaying that this has become imperative. It is against this backdrop that the Association hereby appeals to political parties to, in the interest of the inclusive society and development, consider picking a woman as running mate for the office of President and governors of the respective states,” the statement said.
The association added that the time has come for the promotion of gender equality in political leadership in Nigeria, particularly as the country heads towards the 2023 general elections.
According to NAWOJ, gender equality would help reposition Nigeria and properly position the country as the giant of Africa, not only in size but in involvement in global discourse.
NAWOJ called on journalists and media organisations to rise to the occasion by setting a more inclusive agenda for the country.
Omolola Pedro is a Reporter/ Fact-Checker at The International Centre for Investigative Reporting. She believes in a society that is fair to all. She has deep interest in Gender Equality, Social Justice, and protection of human rights.
You can reach out to her via mail [email protected], Twitter:@pedro_omolola