Parties should promote greater access to elective offices for women – INEC

The Independent National Electoral Commission has urged political parties in the country to promote more opportunities for women to access political offices.

This was contained in INEC Chairman Prof. Mahmood Yakubu’s message to celebrate the International Women’s Day.

Yakubu said this year’s theme aligns with the commission’s vision for inclusivity and women participation in the electoral process.

“The Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) joins millions of Nigerian women and their counterparts all over the world to celebrate this special day in recognition of their huge sacrifice to nation building, the sustenance of democracy and preservation of family values in the country.

“This year’s theme: “Gender equality today for a sustainable tomorrow”, aligns with the Commission’s acknowledgment of the importance of inclusivity and the need to encourage active participation of women in the electoral process. It was for this reason that the Commission created a special Department of Gender and Inclusivity to pay adequate attention to the interests of women. The Commission has also been impressing it on all registered political parties in Nigeria to promote greater acces by women to elective offices.

“As the nation reflects on how to improve the lives of its women, the Commission will continue to promote their interests and partner with them for free, fair, credible and inclusive elections. Happy International Women’s Day,” the INEC chairman said.