Confidence Not Slots Key to Women’s Political Breakthrough — INEC REC

By Praise Chinecherem

Resident Electoral Commissioner, Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) in Anambra state, Dr Elizabeth Agwu has challenged women to build confidence in themselves to be recognized.

Agwu stated this on Friday at the validation meeting on Project IMPACT baseline study finding on Persons With Disabilities and Women’s Political Aspiration in Elective Position.

The initiative is implemented by Social and Integral Development Center (SIDEC) in Partnership with Nigeria Civil Society Situation Room supported by the UK-FCDO.

The REC said the problem of women were not in the number of slots they were given, but realizing their capacity towards contribution to nation building.

She cited her numerous feats achieved through various positions she had occupied over the years, challenging women not to underate themselves.

She said, “I don’t believe in women liberation. Women must have confidence in themselves and recognize they can.

“Don’t wait for the men to give you chance. Surely they’ll give us quota but those slots can’t be enough as the one we give to ourselves.

“It’s not to give you chance but for you to believe you can do it. We can change the narratives by changing our orientation. Let’s begin to give our girl child the orientation they can compete favourably with the men.”

Earlier, Executive Director, SIDEC, Ugochi Ehiahuruike said the project was to promote inclusive participation of women, youth, and Persons with Disabilities (PWDs) in governance and combat disinformation.

“Through this validation process, we will present key findings and collect feedback to strengthen the report’s accuracy and relevance.

“We will build consensus on baseline indicators to track project progress; foster shared ownership and credibility among stakeholders,” she added.

Chairman, Joint National Association of Persons With Disabilities (JONAPWD), Anambra State Chapter, Ugochukwu Okeke described the engagement as timely and strategic, as well as call for action.

“For too long, the voices of women and persons with disabilities have been underrepresented in leadership and decision-making spaces, despite their proven abilities, resilience, and contributions to nation-building,” he added.

Others who spoke at Commissioner for Information, Dr Law Mefor, Former VP, Ohaneze Ndigbo, Damian Okeke Ogene, among others.