Imo state government has been urged to start the implementation of the National Gender policy of 35 percent affirmative action.
Speaking at a One day media roundtable with female journalists Organized by Alliance for Africa for female journalists in Imo.
The program Manager of AFA, Ms. Blessing Duru emphasized In her presentation on the need to advocate for more appointive and elective positions for female politicians.
While x-raying the current state of gender bias and the impacts in the state, she noted that gender disparity still exist in the current administration in the state where the Imo state House of Assembly lack a female lawmaker representing any constituency.
She disclosed that it’s imperative for women to be involved in the decision making as it pertains to issues that borders on women.
She stated that the Affirmative action is a way of creating gender equality and social inclusion.
According to her, there is also the need to encourage women to participate in politics so they can promote women oriented Programmes and projects.
She noted that the National gender policy addresses systematic barriers, acknowledges historical imbalance and ensures women equal participation in decision making roles.
According to the program manager, “insufficient representation of women in political decision making process hinders the development of politics that address the specific needs and concerns of women”.
Also, “Gender disparities perpetrate social norms and stereotypes, reinforce traditional gender roles, which can hinder social progress and limit the opportunities available to individuals based on their gender”.
The participants drawn from different media houses in the state identified the challenges and the opportunities of the 35 percent affirmative action and stressed the need for the implementation of the politics. Most of the journalists noted that giving women equal opportunity in politics has numerous benefits and they all promised to take an action plan towards creating awareness and sensitization of the policy through their various mediums.
