Female journalists in Imo State are being encouraged to advocate for the establishment of a Thirty-five percent affirmative action. This is aimed at fostering significant participation of women in both appointed and elected positions inside the country.
The call was issued by the non-governmental organization Alliances for Africa (AfA) at a one-day media round table interactive conference. The meeting was organized by AfA in collaboration with the Civil Society Legislative Advocacy Centre and MacArthur Foundation. The event took place in Owerri yesterday.
Ms. Iheoma Obibi, the Executive Director of AfA, spoke on behalf of the organization's Programs Manager, Mrs. Blessing Duru, and stated that the meeting was held to enhance public knowledge and comprehension of the National Gender Policy of 2021 – 2026 in the state.
She voiced concern about the gender gaps, particularly in the legislative branch of the state, where no women were elected among the 27 lawmakers in the 10th assembly.
She argues that it is necessary to involve stakeholders, particularly women, as champions in promoting the 35 percent affirmative action. From our perspective at AfA, we consider female media practitioners to be essential participants in achieving this objective.
Ms. Obibi stated that the purpose of this conference is to improve public comprehension, encourage unbiased reporting, and contribute to the larger societal discussion on how affirmative action may help create equal opportunities and break down systemic obstacles for marginalized groups.
The event is designed to allow attendees to recognize the main obstacles that Imo women face and provide solutions, with a focus on the significance and necessity of promoting the National Gender Policy's 35% Affirmative Action.
Several challenges include insufficient women's empowerment, lack of gender inclusion, limited political representation, and violence against women and girls. These issues undermine the security and well-being of women, leading to a culture of fear that negatively impacts the mental and physical health of survivors.
She expressed that affirmative action is a social mechanism that promotes inclusivity and aims to achieve fairness in political representation, education, workforce, and healthcare. She further noted that the lack of adequate representation of women in political decision-making processes hampers the development of policies that cater to the specific needs and concerns of women.
Moreover, gender inequalities in school and the labor market hinder women from realizing their complete economic capacities. "Addressing these challenges," she stated, "has the potential to make a substantial contribution to the country's economic advancement," she further emphasized.
The attendees, including Mrs. Dorothy Nnaji, Chairperson of the National Association of Women Journalists (NAWOJ), Imo State Council, unanimously recognized the importance of advancing affirmative action. They also made a commitment to create various forums to foster a range of viewpoints on this matter.