National Women Leader of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), Professor Stella Effah_ Attoe has encouraged Nigerian women to rise up to their expected role as pillar in nation building.
The scholar cum politician who said the importance of women can never be over – emphasized, challenged women to rise above all hindrances towards actualisation of such roles.
Prof. Attoe spoke on the theme ” Empowering women’s leadership in Nigeria” at a two- day workshop between January 25 and 26 in Abuja . It was organised by the International Republican Institute (IRI).
She addressed a cross section of women in public , private sector and women politicians across party lines on the need to develop women democratic network.
Prof Attoe who was elated by positions occupied by women globally said agitation for women emancipation should be backed with action. ” There is need for us as women to walk the talk”, she said.
She however notes with emotion that several millions of women and young girls in cities and rural areas are wallowing in abject poverty due to lack of education and mentorship.
According to the Women leader, women should not just be used as tools in the hand of political actors but should come out to play active role.
She challenges privileged women in the society to develop various socio – economic platforms through which women can be empowered .
Likewise, she called on the PDP and other political parties to develop template in meeting the mandatory female affirmative action in public spaces, particularly political offices.
“It is a pity that in most of our political parties today, hardly could you see women occupying 5 percent of seats even in party positions. It is only the position of women leaders that is sacrosanct for women while they struggle to get at least two other post.
“Our parties should be gender sensitive in allocating party offices, carry women along to secure their confidence because it is women that build any association and even societies”, she stressed.
To fellow women, she urged them to support one another in realising their political ambitions.
Prof. Attoe promised that PDP women across the state chapters of the party will fare better during her tenure as National Women Leader.
