Need for Women active participation in Politics the focus
Her Excellency Mrs Bamidele Abiodun was honoured and decorated as The Ambassador for Peace by NOPSWECO.
The need for inclusive and active participation of women, youths and other vulnerable groups in governance is paramount to the actualization of true democracy and equity in the most revered system of governance across the globe.
This came to fore as the Wife of the Ogun State Governor, Mrs. Bamidele Abiodun was decorated as an Ambassador of Peace by the Network on Peace and Security for Women in the ECOWAS Region, Ogun State Chapter.
At the Inauguration of the Steering Committee of Network on Peace and Security for Women in ECOWAS Region, (NOPSWECO), Ogun State Chapter, held at the Mitros Hall, GRA, Ibara, Abeokuta, Mrs. Abiodun noted that women and girls were always the most vulnerable anywhere there is unrest and violence hence the need for women to increase their efforts at ensuring peace.
She said “It is a well known fact that where there is unrest and violence as those we have seen of recent, women and girls are the worst affected. As women therefore, we must play an increasing role in building peace, not only in our country, but also supporting peace efforts in other countries.”
Mrs. Abiodun added that women should also be encouraged to participate in the decision making process at the highest level of governance in order to attain the desired development for the country.
She called on women to be more committed to the welfare and safety of their families and the nation at large particularly at trying times as the nation was experiencing.
The event also had a technical session themed ” Strengthening State Capacities and Women Participation for Peace Building and Conflicts Resolution” where participants unanimously spoke on the need to encourage women’s participation in all spheres of life , especially politics.
The programme was put together by the Ajose Foundation, Mrs. Abiodun’s pet project in conjunction with the Network on Peace and Security for Women in the ECOWAS Region, NOPSWECO, led by the Coordinator, Dr. Mojisola Akinsanya.
According to Dr. Akinsanya, the workshop was designed to facilitate the advancement of women’s rights and their inclusion in conflicts prevention and peace building processes.
She added that workshop was also aimed at showcasing the network steering committee, state and Local government officers and members largely made up of women who were already working in the area of women, peace and security.
