Women Should Be Given Opportunities In Politics, Governance – Gov Akeredolu’s Wife

By Eleugu Mgbemgasa…

Ondo State First Lady, Chief Betty Anyanwu-Akeredolu (Ada Owere 1) and Convener, Imo Women Matter (IWU), has called on men in position of authority to allow women to participate fully and effectively in politics and governance.

Akeredolu said when women are given due opportunities to fully be in decision making tables especially in politics and governance the gender imbalance which she pointed out as part of bane of development in the state and the country at large would be abrogated ad infinitum.

Speaking during a Press Conference/Media Parley held on Friday at her residence in Owerri, Her Excellency stressed that women are builders and keepers of wealth, organizers of homes, agents of society change and ought to be allowed to hold vital political or elective positions in their own country or state for social and economic improvement, peace, respite and security advancement.

She noted that the socio- political organization (Imo Women Matter) was formed to advocate, as well as advance rights and privileges of women in Imo State especially as they relate to political and governance inclusiveness, observing that over 80% women in Imo are redundant, an ugly situation she frowned amounts to marginalization, violence and vulnerability.

The women rights crusader did not mince words as she urged political parties to at least field women as deputy governorship candidates to balance politicking and leadership equation in Imo State.

“The political right of women in Imo State matters a lot and when met the society will witness tremendous economic and social change. This is why it is important that women of substance and virtue be at the decision making table in Imo State. We need to be at the decision making table. In as much as we take care of the homes and the children at large. At least women should be given deputy governorship position by political parties”, she said.

Therefore, Her Excellency encouraged women to keep on doing the right things, fighting for their rights and craving for affirmative change. “We need to have reorientation and strength to convince men towards allowing women to have equal opportunity, to stop the mindless political brouhaha, marginalization of women. 80% of women in Imo State are redundant, doing practically nothing. Political parties should field women as deputy governorship candidates to balance the equation. Nothing stops a woman of virtue with capacity and charisma from being governor of Imo State”.

She added that “women have the strength and sense of leadership right from home. Because charity starts from home. Due to the incessant gender disparity, inequality prevalent in Imo State women suffer adversely. Hence the need to sensitise women especially those at the rural communities to know their rights and the need to rise and boldly stand for their rights”.

Giving opening remarks earlier, the Host/Anchor, Barr. Ngozi Njoku, affirmed that IWA was thoughtfully formed to fight for rights of women in Imo State. “We are not fighting government. We are saying that women should be allowed to duly participate in politics and government, in decision making corridors to enhance good governance in line with democratic ethos. Men are the head. Women are the neck. And we have to work together with men to advance the society positively”.

However, in her vote of thanks, one of the proponents of women’s rights, Princess Calista Anene, thanked the champion of IWA, Her Excellency, Chief Betty Anyanwu-Akeredolu and other feminists for making good cases for deprived females in the state.

“You people are wonderful. I equally appreciate Her Excellency, Barr. Chioma Uzodimma for elevating some women, Commissioner for Women Affairs, Gender and Vulnerable Groups, Lady Nkechinyere Ugwu, while we appeal to the Imo State government to endorse Gender/Women Rights, just as the federal government”, Anene maintained.