For the growth of women’s engagement in politics in Nigeria, the Canadian government on Monday, August29, 2022 announced a grant of N2.6 billion (approximately $8 million).
James Christoff, the Canadian High Commissioner to Nigeria, announced this in Abuja during a high-level conversation with traditional leaders that was organised by the UN Women and the Office of the UN Resident Coordinator in Nigeria.
The UN agencies are urging traditional leaders to step up efforts to eradicate violence against women in the nation through a high-level debate.
The monies would be donated for a four-year term under Canada’s Advance Women Political Participation in Nigeria programme, according to Christoff, who was represented by Ms. Djifa Ahado, Head of Cooperation, Canadian Embassy Abuja.
According to Christoff, Canada and the UN recognise the crucial role traditional leaders play as the keepers of tradition, which is why it is necessary to support their advocacy for women’s rights.
“Canada firmly believes that encouraging women’s and girls’ empowerment is the best way to welcome a peaceful and more prosperous Nigeria.
“Having women at the table to play a critical role in decision making, especially at the political level is a key priority. As custodians of tradition and culture, we recognise the strategic role that you can play as traditional leaders.
“To create an enabling environment by embracing positive attitudes and questioning negative stereotypes of women in politics and encourage women participation at all levels.
“Through this project to advance women political participation in Nigeria, Canada is contributing eight million Canadian dollars, that is, 2.6 billion naira over four years to increase the participation, election, and appointment of women in Nigeria both in the 2023 electoral cycle.
“As traditional leaders, we enjoin your support to advocate for women support in the coming elections, use your influence to promote violence free elections and denounce violence against women,” Christoff said.
The full and equitable participation of all citizens, including women, is important to establishing a robust, alive, and inclusive democracy in Nigeria, according to Mr. Matthias Schmale, UN Resident and Humanitarian Coordinator in Nigeria.
Just six months before Nigeria’s general elections in 2023, according to Schmale, the UN agencies organised the conversation with traditional chiefs with the backing of the Canadian government.
“It is well acknowledged that one of the main factors in attaining sustainable development is the full and effective participation of women in governance and decision-making possibilities.
“Women constitute half of the population of Nigeria and contribute significantly to national and economic development.
“Unfortunately, their participation remains insignificant in the formal and informal structures of government where decisions regarding the use of societal resources generated by men and women are being made.
“Women’s ability to participate in politics are being hampered by numerous constraints. Negative stereotypes, sometimes perpetuated by culture and tradition lays a real and significant role in women political marginalisation.
“Violence against women in politics and in elections must be addressed with a sense of urgency, especially as we approach the 2023 elections.
“Royal Highnesses and Majesties, you are key to shifting social norms and driving the critical change needed to end electoral gender-based violence and enhancing women’s participation in the upcoming elections,” Schmale said.
Nigeria has been a functioning democracy since 1999, according to Ms. Beatrice Eyong, UN Women Representative to Nigeria and ECOWAS, without women actively participating in politics.
However, she pointed out that because they serve as their subjects’ protectors, traditional leaders should play a crucial part in altering these perceptions.
“Since the 1999 elections, there has only been a slight increase in the proportion of women serving in elective and appointed positions.
“There has, however, been higher inclusion of women in the private/ banking sectors. if we extend this to other sectors, we will see better results.
“Traditional rulers can play sensitisation of their communities against these different types of violence against women, organise strong advocacy campaigns with government and political parties for appropriate laws, policies and protective measures.
“Enact traditional legislation to prevent, fight, judge, and punish perpetuators, organise meeting with women aspirants, support gender responsive electoral management, promote political education of women, girls, men and boys in their communities,” Eyong said.
