By Amaka Amaka
The Nigeria League of Women Voters (NILWV) and the African Women Lawyers Association (AWLA) have formed a landmark partnership to amplify women’s voices and boost their presence in Nigerian politics.
At a momentous ceremony in Enugu, the State chapter of the two organizations signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) to empower women and ensure that capable female leaders are appointed to key positions in the country.
The groundbreaking MoU signing event signaled the beginning of a new era in Nigerian politics where women are no longer relegated to the sidelines but rather propelled to the forefront of decision-making processes.
Speaking at the event, the Enugu state Chairperson of NILWV, Barr. Sylvia Abana highlighted the alarming underrepresentation of women in Enugu’s legislature.
“We all are aware that we have capable women in Enugu who will not be an exception in breaking the glass ceiling.”
The NILWV chairperson emphasized the non-partisan nature of the Nigeria League of Women Voters saying, “We stand to support every woman who is capable of delivering on the mandate, someone who can go in and represent us well.”
She continued “His Worship, we are here to collaborate with AWLA to support women in becoming part and parcel of decision-making processes. This program, which is assisted by Action Aid also seeks AWLA’s assistance in litigation, especially when there is violation of a woman’s rights.
Together, NILWV and AWLA will proceed to court and ensure that victims and survivors get justice.”
Abana further stated that some women feel intimidated because men had taken the arena, “as you can see, we have only 3 female commissioners in Enugu state and two female legislators in the state House of Assembly.
“We therefore want the state government to include more women in his political appointments.”
Responding, the state coordinator African Women Lawyers Association (AWLA) Enugu State branch, His Worship Chief Magistrate Ifeoma Vivian Nwagbara enthusiastically received the partnership, stating, “I want to appreciate NILWV in Enugu State. What you do is close to what AWLA is doing, and I see this collaboration as a natural and meaningful reunion.”
She added, “I pray God to strengthen our organizations and I believe this partnership will bear fruitful results. Together, we can build a more inclusive and just Nigeria for all.”
” Therefore, we will commit as usual to various activities aimed at fostering women’s participation in politics such as education programs, workshops on women’s rights, and providing legal aid to women facing discrimination, violence or abuse of any kind.”
According to Nwagbara, “AWLA is hopeful that this collaboration will pave the way for more women to assume leadership roles and for a more equitable distribution of power in Nigerian politics.
To achieve this vision, NILWV and AWLA call on all Nigerians to join them in their efforts by supporting women running for office, becoming active members of these organizations, and advocating for policies that promote gender equality.”
Both organizations expressed confidence in their ability to make a lasting impact and reaffirmed their commitment to empowering women in Nigerian politics.
The Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) is set to be in effect for 24 months, after which it will be subject to renewal, depending on the progress made toward its goals.
