A conference of a coalition of civil organisations in Nigeria, which was held for three days, has called for more opportunities for women in politics and governance in the present political dispensation and beyond.
The conference organised by ‘The Girls Democracy Convening’, also known as the #SheVotesToo Campaign, is a collaboration led by Girls Get Equal Platform in Nigeria, Activista Nigeria and youth groups and associations nationwide.
This event had in attendance girls, young women and youths from different backgrounds, girl rights activists, women and young politicians, and development experts under the theme: “Amplifying Girls’ Voices For Inclusive Governance.”
In the speech given by the country director of Women In Politics, Dr Ebere Ifendu, she said the main objective of the gathering is to create an inclusive dialogue platform for addressing critical issues affecting girls, young women and youths and to develop a democratic Charter of Demand that advocates for the rights and welfare of young Nigerians.
She added that it is also to co-create a citizen scorecard and monitoring matrix to evaluate government commitments and implementation.
She said the conference is expected to develop the Girls Democracy Charter of Demand, a robust document driving future advocacy efforts and formulating persuasive messages to promote girls’ and youths’ inclusion in government.
She pointed out that the #SheVotesToo Campaign emerged in response to the need for inclusive governance and meaningful political participation for girls, young women, and youths.
She said despite recent progress, gaps in gender-aligned policies and political commitment persist.
