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Ahead of Nigeria’s presidential elections on 16 February, UN Women and partners have been training women candidates, documenting political violence and advocating for measures to boost women’s low representation in Parliament.

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Pauline Tallen began her political career as one of the first female councillors in her community, in north-central part of Nigeria, mobilizing women to form Councils of Women Societies in local government in the 1980s. In 1999, she was appointed Minister for Science and Technology—the first woman appointed in that capacity—and in 2007 she was nominated Deputy Governor of Plateau—also the first woman to hold that position.

The capacity-building training offered by UN Women to boost women’s leadership and political participation in Nigeria helped Tallen then, as it’s helping female aspirants today.

“I advise [young women] to believe in themselves,” says Tallen, adding, “Be prepared because it’s not easy.”

Not easy indeed. Three decades have passed since Tallen joined politics, but the state of women’s political participation in Nigeria remains abysmally low, with less than 6 per cent women in the Parliament. Today, Nigeria has one of the lowest rates of female representation in parliament across Africa, and globally, ranks 181st out of 193 countries, according to the International Parliamentary Union.

“We have a whole lot of women across Nigeria that can do so much better than what we are offered now,” explains Joy Ada Onyesoh, National Coordinator of Nigeria’s Women Situation Room and Country Director for the Women’s International League for Peace and Freedom (WILPF). “The issue is that we are not given the opportunity… [Men] feel women are meant to be seen and not heard.”

Since 2006, Nigeria’s National Gender Policy highlights women’s right to equality in economic, social and political life, with provisions to increase women in elected and appointed positions to 35 per cent—but that hasn’t happened.

“There have been so many protocols, conventions, amendments of the Nigerian Constitution, which support providing a quota system, but in reality, women are excluded in politics,” says Blessing Obidiegwu, Head of the Gender Division for the Independent National Electoral Commission. “Such problems as patriarchy, violence in elections and their economic situation serve as barriers to women’s participation.”

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In 2016, a Gender and Equal Opportunities Bill was tabled, calling for the adoption of Temporary Special Measures to eliminate discrimination in political and public life. UN Women supported the Bill’s passage in five States (Anambra, Ekiti, Imo, Kogi and Plateau) and is currently advocating, alongside partners, for its adoption at the National Assembly.

The Women Situation Room Nigeria, set up by a coalition of women’s organizations working to expand women’s participation in politics year-round, has been monitoring the situation ahead of the upcoming elections (in February) through a toll-free hotline and coordinators spread across Nigeria’s 36 states. WILPF and UN Women are also collecting stories and data to build a database to document gender-based violence during the recent primaries, where several cases of intimidation and harassment of women were reported, and some women aspirants who got the party ticket, were forced to step down.

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“If you look at the female leaders across political parties, most of them do not have a clear-cut budget or an office space, says Onyesoh. “There is an enormous level of violence against women in politics.”

UN Women has been training and mentoring female candidates and working with the Independent National Electoral Commission to ensure more gender-responsive electoral administration systems, encouraging political parties to adopt women-friendly internal governance policies, supporting local partners on legislative advocacy and election monitoring, as well as data-gathering and knowledge-sharing.

In 2018, UN Women trained 50 young women, with three of them ultimately winning their parties’ nomination as candidates in September 2018. Among them is 26-year-old Zainab Sulaiman Umar, who decided to seek a seat in the Kumbotso Constituency for the Kano State House of Assembly.

“I found out that in my constituency there has been no female representative,” she says. “I went in, so I can pave the way for other women to participate.” It was no easy task, as Umar had to contend with financial constraints, insecurity and violence. She was physically attacked while campaigning.

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Another youth candidate, 30-year-old Chika Kumle, who is running for State House of Assembly Elections, Pankshin South Constituency, Plateau State House of Assembly, credits the training for improving her approach: “The training increased my knowledge on the use of the media, setting up a good campaign plan and a good communication strategy that will effectively communicate my message and ideas to the electorate.”

For UN Women, women’s political empowerment programme is an essential part of our efforts to support the Government of Nigeria to achieve the Sustainable Development Goals, particularly Goal 5 on gender equality,” said Comfort Lamptey, UN Women Representative in Nigeria, about the regional programme funded by the Government of Canada. “It is also an important avenue for strengthening the voice and contribution of women in decision-making.”

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Going forward, the programme will support women’s political mobilization at local and community levels and continue to build their capacity to rise through the rungs of political parties. UN Women will also continue to support advocacy efforts for the adoption of a Gender and Equal Opportunities Bill that can bring in affirmative action measures for women in politics.

As the 16 February elections approach, women are hoping to see inroads, but with still relatively few candidates on the ballot, they realize their potential remains largely untapped. “A bird never flies on one wing,” reminds Joy Ada Onyesoh. “For us to have sustainable peace and development in Nigeria, we need to have men and women seated at the decision-making table.”

Source: UN Women.

UN Women in Moldova has launched an initiative for the civic and political empowerment of women candidates with disabilities ahead of the 2019 local elections, in partnership with the local ‘MOTIVATIE’ Association.

The program, which will take place between January and August 2019, consists of three training modules and aims at training women with disabilities from different communities in Moldova to run for positions in local councils and preparing them to face the challenges of such an activity.

‘For now, we have no data on the number of women with disabilities who stood so far for local elections or on how many women won a position in local councils. This is why we decided to launch the political training program for women with disabilities. In all areas of life, women are not represented to the same extent as men. We want therefore to show that we have a lot of capable, independent, free women who are brave and can make decisions, and that they must be supported to enter those areas where they aren’t present’, said Elena Ratoi, UN Women Program Officer.

One of the participants, Elena Cernei from Gauzeni village, Soldanesti district, is the chair of the organisation for persons with disabilities ‘Speranta’ and wants to get involved in her community’s political life.

‘I want to run for the local elections because our community has many problems and I’m convinced that I’ll be able to solve most of them. As far as possible, I want to be actively involved in the lives of both persons with disabilities and of other persons in the community’, said Elena Cernei.

The election training for persons with disabilities is the first of its kind for ‘MOTIVATIE’ Association of Moldova. It aims at involving women from disadvantaged groups, who haven’t previously participated in such trainings.

‘The training in women’s civic and political empowerment is organised for 50 women with disabilities. The first module for 20 women takes place now. We want to cover all the issues related to the involvement of women with disabilities in politics, namely the specific nature of women’s participation in elections, stereotypes and prejudices, sexism and discrimination of women with disabilities, as well as the legal framework and electoral context of the 2019 general local elections’, said Ana Costin, representative of ‘MOTIVATIE’ Association.

The program is implemented by ‘MOTIVATIE’ Association of Moldova, in partnership with UN Women and with the financial support of the Swedish Government. Those who want to participate in the civic and political empowerment program still have the opportunity to apply to the training by 25 January this year, on ‘MOTIVATIE’ Association website.

Click here to read the full article published by UN Women on 16 January 2019.

UN Women in Moldova has launched an initiative for the civic and political empowerment of women candidates with disabilities ahead of the 2019 local elections, in partnership with the local ‘MOTIVATIE’ Association.

The program, which will take place between January and August 2019, consists of three training modules and aims at training women with disabilities from different communities in Moldova to run for positions in local councils and preparing them to face the challenges of such an activity.

‘For now, we have no data on the number of women with disabilities who stood so far for local elections or on how many women won a position in local councils. This is why we decided to launch the political training program for women with disabilities. In all areas of life, women are not represented to the same extent as men. We want therefore to show that we have a lot of capable, independent, free women who are brave and can make decisions, and that they must be supported to enter those areas where they aren’t present’, said Elena Ratoi, UN Women Program Officer.

One of the participants, Elena Cernei from Gauzeni village, Soldanesti district, is the chair of the organisation for persons with disabilities ‘Speranta’ and wants to get involved in her community’s political life.

‘I want to run for the local elections because our community has many problems and I’m convinced that I’ll be able to solve most of them. As far as possible, I want to be actively involved in the lives of both persons with disabilities and of other persons in the community’, said Elena Cernei.

The election training for persons with disabilities is the first of its kind for ‘MOTIVATIE’ Association of Moldova. It aims at involving women from disadvantaged groups, who haven’t previously participated in such trainings.

‘The training in women’s civic and political empowerment is organised for 50 women with disabilities. The first module for 20 women takes place now. We want to cover all the issues related to the involvement of women with disabilities in politics, namely the specific nature of women’s participation in elections, stereotypes and prejudices, sexism and discrimination of women with disabilities, as well as the legal framework and electoral context of the 2019 general local elections’, said Ana Costin, representative of ‘MOTIVATIE’ Association.

The program is implemented by ‘MOTIVATIE’ Association of Moldova, in partnership with UN Women and with the financial support of the Swedish Government. Those who want to participate in the civic and political empowerment program still have the opportunity to apply to the training by 25 January this year, on ‘MOTIVATIE’ Association website.

Click here to read the full article published by UN Women on 16 January 2019.

UN Women in Moldova has launched an initiative for the civic and political empowerment of women candidates with disabilities ahead of the 2019 local elections, in partnership with the local ‘MOTIVATIE’ Association.

The program, which will take place between January and August 2019, consists of three training modules and aims at training women with disabilities from different communities in Moldova to run for positions in local councils and preparing them to face the challenges of such an activity.

‘For now, we have no data on the number of women with disabilities who stood so far for local elections or on how many women won a position in local councils. This is why we decided to launch the political training program for women with disabilities. In all areas of life, women are not represented to the same extent as men. We want therefore to show that we have a lot of capable, independent, free women who are brave and can make decisions, and that they must be supported to enter those areas where they aren’t present’, said Elena Ratoi, UN Women Program Officer.

One of the participants, Elena Cernei from Gauzeni village, Soldanesti district, is the chair of the organisation for persons with disabilities ‘Speranta’ and wants to get involved in her community’s political life.

‘I want to run for the local elections because our community has many problems and I’m convinced that I’ll be able to solve most of them. As far as possible, I want to be actively involved in the lives of both persons with disabilities and of other persons in the community’, said Elena Cernei.

The election training for persons with disabilities is the first of its kind for ‘MOTIVATIE’ Association of Moldova. It aims at involving women from disadvantaged groups, who haven’t previously participated in such trainings.

‘The training in women’s civic and political empowerment is organised for 50 women with disabilities. The first module for 20 women takes place now. We want to cover all the issues related to the involvement of women with disabilities in politics, namely the specific nature of women’s participation in elections, stereotypes and prejudices, sexism and discrimination of women with disabilities, as well as the legal framework and electoral context of the 2019 general local elections’, said Ana Costin, representative of ‘MOTIVATIE’ Association.

The program is implemented by ‘MOTIVATIE’ Association of Moldova, in partnership with UN Women and with the financial support of the Swedish Government. Those who want to participate in the civic and political empowerment program still have the opportunity to apply to the training by 25 January this year, on ‘MOTIVATIE’ Association website.

Click here to read the full article published by UN Women on 16 January 2019.

UN Women in Moldova has launched an initiative for the civic and political empowerment of women candidates with disabilities ahead of the 2019 local elections, in partnership with the local ‘MOTIVATIE’ Association.

The program, which will take place between January and August 2019, consists of three training modules and aims at training women with disabilities from different communities in Moldova to run for positions in local councils and preparing them to face the challenges of such an activity.

‘For now, we have no data on the number of women with disabilities who stood so far for local elections or on how many women won a position in local councils. This is why we decided to launch the political training program for women with disabilities. In all areas of life, women are not represented to the same extent as men. We want therefore to show that we have a lot of capable, independent, free women who are brave and can make decisions, and that they must be supported to enter those areas where they aren’t present’, said Elena Ratoi, UN Women Program Officer.

One of the participants, Elena Cernei from Gauzeni village, Soldanesti district, is the chair of the organisation for persons with disabilities ‘Speranta’ and wants to get involved in her community’s political life.

‘I want to run for the local elections because our community has many problems and I’m convinced that I’ll be able to solve most of them. As far as possible, I want to be actively involved in the lives of both persons with disabilities and of other persons in the community’, said Elena Cernei.

The election training for persons with disabilities is the first of its kind for ‘MOTIVATIE’ Association of Moldova. It aims at involving women from disadvantaged groups, who haven’t previously participated in such trainings.

‘The training in women’s civic and political empowerment is organised for 50 women with disabilities. The first module for 20 women takes place now. We want to cover all the issues related to the involvement of women with disabilities in politics, namely the specific nature of women’s participation in elections, stereotypes and prejudices, sexism and discrimination of women with disabilities, as well as the legal framework and electoral context of the 2019 general local elections’, said Ana Costin, representative of ‘MOTIVATIE’ Association.

The program is implemented by ‘MOTIVATIE’ Association of Moldova, in partnership with UN Women and with the financial support of the Swedish Government. Those who want to participate in the civic and political empowerment program still have the opportunity to apply to the training by 25 January this year, on ‘MOTIVATIE’ Association website.

Click here to read the full article published by UN Women on 16 January 2019.

UN Women in Moldova has launched an initiative for the civic and political empowerment of women candidates with disabilities ahead of the 2019 local elections, in partnership with the local ‘MOTIVATIE’ Association.

The program, which will take place between January and August 2019, consists of three training modules and aims at training women with disabilities from different communities in Moldova to run for positions in local councils and preparing them to face the challenges of such an activity.

‘For now, we have no data on the number of women with disabilities who stood so far for local elections or on how many women won a position in local councils. This is why we decided to launch the political training program for women with disabilities. In all areas of life, women are not represented to the same extent as men. We want therefore to show that we have a lot of capable, independent, free women who are brave and can make decisions, and that they must be supported to enter those areas where they aren’t present’, said Elena Ratoi, UN Women Program Officer.

One of the participants, Elena Cernei from Gauzeni village, Soldanesti district, is the chair of the organisation for persons with disabilities ‘Speranta’ and wants to get involved in her community’s political life.

‘I want to run for the local elections because our community has many problems and I’m convinced that I’ll be able to solve most of them. As far as possible, I want to be actively involved in the lives of both persons with disabilities and of other persons in the community’, said Elena Cernei.

The election training for persons with disabilities is the first of its kind for ‘MOTIVATIE’ Association of Moldova. It aims at involving women from disadvantaged groups, who haven’t previously participated in such trainings.

‘The training in women’s civic and political empowerment is organised for 50 women with disabilities. The first module for 20 women takes place now. We want to cover all the issues related to the involvement of women with disabilities in politics, namely the specific nature of women’s participation in elections, stereotypes and prejudices, sexism and discrimination of women with disabilities, as well as the legal framework and electoral context of the 2019 general local elections’, said Ana Costin, representative of ‘MOTIVATIE’ Association.

The program is implemented by ‘MOTIVATIE’ Association of Moldova, in partnership with UN Women and with the financial support of the Swedish Government. Those who want to participate in the civic and political empowerment program still have the opportunity to apply to the training by 25 January this year, on ‘MOTIVATIE’ Association website.

Click here to read the full article published by UN Women on 16 January 2019.

Women Radio 91.7 has embarked on advocacy visits to stakeholders of democracy in a bid to ensure 2019 general elections is peaceful and non-violent to increase women’s participation.

Toun Okewale Sonaiya MD Women Radio during a visit to INEC headquarters in Magbon, Abeokuta Ogun State said INEC has a major role to play in ensuring that the 2019 general election is devoid of violence against women and allows women to exercise their civil rights to vote and be voted for. Okewale Sonaiya added that Women Radio will track incidences of electoral violence against women in 2019 election.

In her response, Olori Adenike Tadese HOD Voters education and publicity, gender and civil society organisation said INEC has made provisions for pregnant women, the elderly and persons living with disabilities across the state with adequate security personnel and that priority will be given to vulnerable persons during elections.Oludele Popoola, INEC Representative/Admin Secretary also emphasized that INEC is fully ready for the 2019 general elections.

(…) "Women Radio 91.7 with support from UNWomen continues in her advocacy for Nigerians to shun violence against Women in 2019 elections and to vote for Women to increase women leadership and political empowerment."

Click here to read the full article published by The Eagle Online on 25 January 2019.

Women Radio 91.7 has embarked on advocacy visits to stakeholders of democracy in a bid to ensure 2019 general elections is peaceful and non-violent to increase women’s participation.

Toun Okewale Sonaiya MD Women Radio during a visit to INEC headquarters in Magbon, Abeokuta Ogun State said INEC has a major role to play in ensuring that the 2019 general election is devoid of violence against women and allows women to exercise their civil rights to vote and be voted for. Okewale Sonaiya added that Women Radio will track incidences of electoral violence against women in 2019 election.

In her response, Olori Adenike Tadese HOD Voters education and publicity, gender and civil society organisation said INEC has made provisions for pregnant women, the elderly and persons living with disabilities across the state with adequate security personnel and that priority will be given to vulnerable persons during elections.Oludele Popoola, INEC Representative/Admin Secretary also emphasized that INEC is fully ready for the 2019 general elections.

(…) "Women Radio 91.7 with support from UNWomen continues in her advocacy for Nigerians to shun violence against Women in 2019 elections and to vote for Women to increase women leadership and political empowerment."

Click here to read the full article published by The Eagle Online on 25 January 2019.

Women Radio 91.7 has embarked on advocacy visits to stakeholders of democracy in a bid to ensure 2019 general elections is peaceful and non-violent to increase women’s participation.

Toun Okewale Sonaiya MD Women Radio during a visit to INEC headquarters in Magbon, Abeokuta Ogun State said INEC has a major role to play in ensuring that the 2019 general election is devoid of violence against women and allows women to exercise their civil rights to vote and be voted for. Okewale Sonaiya added that Women Radio will track incidences of electoral violence against women in 2019 election.

In her response, Olori Adenike Tadese HOD Voters education and publicity, gender and civil society organisation said INEC has made provisions for pregnant women, the elderly and persons living with disabilities across the state with adequate security personnel and that priority will be given to vulnerable persons during elections.Oludele Popoola, INEC Representative/Admin Secretary also emphasized that INEC is fully ready for the 2019 general elections.

(…) "Women Radio 91.7 with support from UNWomen continues in her advocacy for Nigerians to shun violence against Women in 2019 elections and to vote for Women to increase women leadership and political empowerment."

Click here to read the full article published by The Eagle Online on 25 January 2019.

Women Radio 91.7 has embarked on advocacy visits to stakeholders of democracy in a bid to ensure 2019 general elections is peaceful and non-violent to increase women’s participation.

Toun Okewale Sonaiya MD Women Radio during a visit to INEC headquarters in Magbon, Abeokuta Ogun State said INEC has a major role to play in ensuring that the 2019 general election is devoid of violence against women and allows women to exercise their civil rights to vote and be voted for. Okewale Sonaiya added that Women Radio will track incidences of electoral violence against women in 2019 election.

In her response, Olori Adenike Tadese HOD Voters education and publicity, gender and civil society organisation said INEC has made provisions for pregnant women, the elderly and persons living with disabilities across the state with adequate security personnel and that priority will be given to vulnerable persons during elections.Oludele Popoola, INEC Representative/Admin Secretary also emphasized that INEC is fully ready for the 2019 general elections.

(…) "Women Radio 91.7 with support from UNWomen continues in her advocacy for Nigerians to shun violence against Women in 2019 elections and to vote for Women to increase women leadership and political empowerment."

Click here to read the full article published by The Eagle Online on 25 January 2019.

Women Radio 91.7 has embarked on advocacy visits to stakeholders of democracy in a bid to ensure 2019 general elections is peaceful and non-violent to increase women’s participation.

Toun Okewale Sonaiya MD Women Radio during a visit to INEC headquarters in Magbon, Abeokuta Ogun State said INEC has a major role to play in ensuring that the 2019 general election is devoid of violence against women and allows women to exercise their civil rights to vote and be voted for. Okewale Sonaiya added that Women Radio will track incidences of electoral violence against women in 2019 election.

In her response, Olori Adenike Tadese HOD Voters education and publicity, gender and civil society organisation said INEC has made provisions for pregnant women, the elderly and persons living with disabilities across the state with adequate security personnel and that priority will be given to vulnerable persons during elections.Oludele Popoola, INEC Representative/Admin Secretary also emphasized that INEC is fully ready for the 2019 general elections.

(…) "Women Radio 91.7 with support from UNWomen continues in her advocacy for Nigerians to shun violence against Women in 2019 elections and to vote for Women to increase women leadership and political empowerment."

Click here to read the full article published by The Eagle Online on 25 January 2019.

Women Radio 91.7 has embarked on advocacy visits to stakeholders of democracy in a bid to ensure 2019 general elections is peaceful and non-violent to increase women’s participation.

Toun Okewale Sonaiya MD Women Radio during a visit to INEC headquarters in Magbon, Abeokuta Ogun State said INEC has a major role to play in ensuring that the 2019 general election is devoid of violence against women and allows women to exercise their civil rights to vote and be voted for. Okewale Sonaiya added that Women Radio will track incidences of electoral violence against women in 2019 election.

In her response, Olori Adenike Tadese HOD Voters education and publicity, gender and civil society organisation said INEC has made provisions for pregnant women, the elderly and persons living with disabilities across the state with adequate security personnel and that priority will be given to vulnerable persons during elections.Oludele Popoola, INEC Representative/Admin Secretary also emphasized that INEC is fully ready for the 2019 general elections.

(…) "Women Radio 91.7 with support from UNWomen continues in her advocacy for Nigerians to shun violence against Women in 2019 elections and to vote for Women to increase women leadership and political empowerment."

Click here to read the full article published by The Eagle Online on 25 January 2019.

Women Radio 91.7 has embarked on advocacy visits to stakeholders of democracy in a bid to ensure 2019 general elections is peaceful and non-violent to increase women’s participation.

Toun Okewale Sonaiya MD Women Radio during a visit to INEC headquarters in Magbon, Abeokuta Ogun State said INEC has a major role to play in ensuring that the 2019 general election is devoid of violence against women and allows women to exercise their civil rights to vote and be voted for. Okewale Sonaiya added that Women Radio will track incidences of electoral violence against women in 2019 election.

In her response, Olori Adenike Tadese HOD Voters education and publicity, gender and civil society organisation said INEC has made provisions for pregnant women, the elderly and persons living with disabilities across the state with adequate security personnel and that priority will be given to vulnerable persons during elections.Oludele Popoola, INEC Representative/Admin Secretary also emphasized that INEC is fully ready for the 2019 general elections.

(…) "Women Radio 91.7 with support from UNWomen continues in her advocacy for Nigerians to shun violence against Women in 2019 elections and to vote for Women to increase women leadership and political empowerment."

Click here to read the full article published by The Eagle Online on 25 January 2019.

Women Radio 91.7 has embarked on advocacy visits to stakeholders of democracy in a bid to ensure 2019 general elections is peaceful and non-violent to increase women’s participation.

Toun Okewale Sonaiya MD Women Radio during a visit to INEC headquarters in Magbon, Abeokuta Ogun State said INEC has a major role to play in ensuring that the 2019 general election is devoid of violence against women and allows women to exercise their civil rights to vote and be voted for. Okewale Sonaiya added that Women Radio will track incidences of electoral violence against women in 2019 election.

In her response, Olori Adenike Tadese HOD Voters education and publicity, gender and civil society organisation said INEC has made provisions for pregnant women, the elderly and persons living with disabilities across the state with adequate security personnel and that priority will be given to vulnerable persons during elections.Oludele Popoola, INEC Representative/Admin Secretary also emphasized that INEC is fully ready for the 2019 general elections.

(…) "Women Radio 91.7 with support from UNWomen continues in her advocacy for Nigerians to shun violence against Women in 2019 elections and to vote for Women to increase women leadership and political empowerment."

Click here to read the full article published by The Eagle Online on 25 January 2019.

Women Radio 91.7 has embarked on advocacy visits to stakeholders of democracy in a bid to ensure 2019 general elections is peaceful and non-violent to increase women’s participation.

Toun Okewale Sonaiya MD Women Radio during a visit to INEC headquarters in Magbon, Abeokuta Ogun State said INEC has a major role to play in ensuring that the 2019 general election is devoid of violence against women and allows women to exercise their civil rights to vote and be voted for. Okewale Sonaiya added that Women Radio will track incidences of electoral violence against women in 2019 election.

In her response, Olori Adenike Tadese HOD Voters education and publicity, gender and civil society organisation said INEC has made provisions for pregnant women, the elderly and persons living with disabilities across the state with adequate security personnel and that priority will be given to vulnerable persons during elections.Oludele Popoola, INEC Representative/Admin Secretary also emphasized that INEC is fully ready for the 2019 general elections.

(…) "Women Radio 91.7 with support from UNWomen continues in her advocacy for Nigerians to shun violence against Women in 2019 elections and to vote for Women to increase women leadership and political empowerment."

Click here to read the full article published by The Eagle Online on 25 January 2019.

Women Radio 91.7 has embarked on advocacy visits to stakeholders of democracy in a bid to ensure 2019 general elections is peaceful and non-violent to increase women’s participation.

Toun Okewale Sonaiya MD Women Radio during a visit to INEC headquarters in Magbon, Abeokuta Ogun State said INEC has a major role to play in ensuring that the 2019 general election is devoid of violence against women and allows women to exercise their civil rights to vote and be voted for. Okewale Sonaiya added that Women Radio will track incidences of electoral violence against women in 2019 election.

In her response, Olori Adenike Tadese HOD Voters education and publicity, gender and civil society organisation said INEC has made provisions for pregnant women, the elderly and persons living with disabilities across the state with adequate security personnel and that priority will be given to vulnerable persons during elections.Oludele Popoola, INEC Representative/Admin Secretary also emphasized that INEC is fully ready for the 2019 general elections.

(…) "Women Radio 91.7 with support from UNWomen continues in her advocacy for Nigerians to shun violence against Women in 2019 elections and to vote for Women to increase women leadership and political empowerment."

Click here to read the full article published by The Eagle Online on 25 January 2019.

Women Radio 91.7 has embarked on advocacy visits to stakeholders of democracy in a bid to ensure 2019 general elections is peaceful and non-violent to increase women’s participation.

Toun Okewale Sonaiya MD Women Radio during a visit to INEC headquarters in Magbon, Abeokuta Ogun State said INEC has a major role to play in ensuring that the 2019 general election is devoid of violence against women and allows women to exercise their civil rights to vote and be voted for. Okewale Sonaiya added that Women Radio will track incidences of electoral violence against women in 2019 election.

In her response, Olori Adenike Tadese HOD Voters education and publicity, gender and civil society organisation said INEC has made provisions for pregnant women, the elderly and persons living with disabilities across the state with adequate security personnel and that priority will be given to vulnerable persons during elections.Oludele Popoola, INEC Representative/Admin Secretary also emphasized that INEC is fully ready for the 2019 general elections.

(…) "Women Radio 91.7 with support from UNWomen continues in her advocacy for Nigerians to shun violence against Women in 2019 elections and to vote for Women to increase women leadership and political empowerment."

Click here to read the full article published by The Eagle Online on 25 January 2019.

Women Radio 91.7 has embarked on advocacy visits to stakeholders of democracy in a bid to ensure 2019 general elections is peaceful and non-violent to increase women’s participation.

Toun Okewale Sonaiya MD Women Radio during a visit to INEC headquarters in Magbon, Abeokuta Ogun State said INEC has a major role to play in ensuring that the 2019 general election is devoid of violence against women and allows women to exercise their civil rights to vote and be voted for. Okewale Sonaiya added that Women Radio will track incidences of electoral violence against women in 2019 election.

In her response, Olori Adenike Tadese HOD Voters education and publicity, gender and civil society organisation said INEC has made provisions for pregnant women, the elderly and persons living with disabilities across the state with adequate security personnel and that priority will be given to vulnerable persons during elections.Oludele Popoola, INEC Representative/Admin Secretary also emphasized that INEC is fully ready for the 2019 general elections.

(…) "Women Radio 91.7 with support from UNWomen continues in her advocacy for Nigerians to shun violence against Women in 2019 elections and to vote for Women to increase women leadership and political empowerment."

Click here to read the full article published by The Eagle Online on 25 January 2019.

Women Radio 91.7 has embarked on advocacy visits to stakeholders of democracy in a bid to ensure 2019 general elections is peaceful and non-violent to increase women’s participation.

Toun Okewale Sonaiya MD Women Radio during a visit to INEC headquarters in Magbon, Abeokuta Ogun State said INEC has a major role to play in ensuring that the 2019 general election is devoid of violence against women and allows women to exercise their civil rights to vote and be voted for. Okewale Sonaiya added that Women Radio will track incidences of electoral violence against women in 2019 election.

In her response, Olori Adenike Tadese HOD Voters education and publicity, gender and civil society organisation said INEC has made provisions for pregnant women, the elderly and persons living with disabilities across the state with adequate security personnel and that priority will be given to vulnerable persons during elections.Oludele Popoola, INEC Representative/Admin Secretary also emphasized that INEC is fully ready for the 2019 general elections.

(…) "Women Radio 91.7 with support from UNWomen continues in her advocacy for Nigerians to shun violence against Women in 2019 elections and to vote for Women to increase women leadership and political empowerment."

Click here to read the full article published by The Eagle Online on 25 January 2019.

Women Radio 91.7 has embarked on advocacy visits to stakeholders of democracy in a bid to ensure 2019 general elections is peaceful and non-violent to increase women’s participation.

Toun Okewale Sonaiya MD Women Radio during a visit to INEC headquarters in Magbon, Abeokuta Ogun State said INEC has a major role to play in ensuring that the 2019 general election is devoid of violence against women and allows women to exercise their civil rights to vote and be voted for. Okewale Sonaiya added that Women Radio will track incidences of electoral violence against women in 2019 election.

In her response, Olori Adenike Tadese HOD Voters education and publicity, gender and civil society organisation said INEC has made provisions for pregnant women, the elderly and persons living with disabilities across the state with adequate security personnel and that priority will be given to vulnerable persons during elections.Oludele Popoola, INEC Representative/Admin Secretary also emphasized that INEC is fully ready for the 2019 general elections.

(…) "Women Radio 91.7 with support from UNWomen continues in her advocacy for Nigerians to shun violence against Women in 2019 elections and to vote for Women to increase women leadership and political empowerment."

Click here to read the full article published by The Eagle Online on 25 January 2019.

Women Radio 91.7 has embarked on advocacy visits to stakeholders of democracy in a bid to ensure 2019 general elections is peaceful and non-violent to increase women’s participation.

Toun Okewale Sonaiya MD Women Radio during a visit to INEC headquarters in Magbon, Abeokuta Ogun State said INEC has a major role to play in ensuring that the 2019 general election is devoid of violence against women and allows women to exercise their civil rights to vote and be voted for. Okewale Sonaiya added that Women Radio will track incidences of electoral violence against women in 2019 election.

In her response, Olori Adenike Tadese HOD Voters education and publicity, gender and civil society organisation said INEC has made provisions for pregnant women, the elderly and persons living with disabilities across the state with adequate security personnel and that priority will be given to vulnerable persons during elections.Oludele Popoola, INEC Representative/Admin Secretary also emphasized that INEC is fully ready for the 2019 general elections.

(…) "Women Radio 91.7 with support from UNWomen continues in her advocacy for Nigerians to shun violence against Women in 2019 elections and to vote for Women to increase women leadership and political empowerment."

Click here to read the full article published by The Eagle Online on 25 January 2019.

Women Radio 91.7 has embarked on advocacy visits to stakeholders of democracy in a bid to ensure 2019 general elections is peaceful and non-violent to increase women’s participation.

Toun Okewale Sonaiya MD Women Radio during a visit to INEC headquarters in Magbon, Abeokuta Ogun State said INEC has a major role to play in ensuring that the 2019 general election is devoid of violence against women and allows women to exercise their civil rights to vote and be voted for. Okewale Sonaiya added that Women Radio will track incidences of electoral violence against women in 2019 election.

In her response, Olori Adenike Tadese HOD Voters education and publicity, gender and civil society organisation said INEC has made provisions for pregnant women, the elderly and persons living with disabilities across the state with adequate security personnel and that priority will be given to vulnerable persons during elections.Oludele Popoola, INEC Representative/Admin Secretary also emphasized that INEC is fully ready for the 2019 general elections.

(…) "Women Radio 91.7 with support from UNWomen continues in her advocacy for Nigerians to shun violence against Women in 2019 elections and to vote for Women to increase women leadership and political empowerment."

Click here to read the full article published by The Eagle Online on 25 January 2019.

As many political analysts see democracy weakened by introverted, xenophobic parties and autocratic leaders, a glimmer of hope is offered by a new generation of candidates and voters. This year will test that optimism in a series of important elections around the world.

Changes in the composition of national legislatures were already being recorded before 2018 ended. In November, a record number of women were elected or re-elected to the United States Congress, raising the percentage of women to nearly a quarter of the 435 members of the House of Representatives and 25 percent of the 100-seat Senate. Nancy Pelosi is now House speaker after her Democratic party became the majority in that chamber.

Among the newcomers, some members arrived vowing to take on President Trump in any legal way possible, including impeachment. Among the women elected to Congress, two are Muslim and two are Native American — a first in both cases. Trump’s relationships with minority populations have been abysmal.

National legislators seem to be getting younger in numerous countries. In December, the Inter-Parliamentary Union (IPU) reported a still-small but rising percentage of legislators under age 30 over the last two years, edging to 2.2 percent from 1.9 percent. The Geneva-based IPU, with 178-member parliaments representing 6.5 billion people worldwide, began tracking ages of legislators in 2014 and has established an annual global conference for young parliamentarians.

Surveying women in politics, the IPU reported that 30 percent of the delegates to its annual assemblies are women, up from 7.7 percent four decades ago. The organization says it is committed to promoting gender parity.

Gabriela Cuevas Barron, a Mexican senator who has been chairperson of the Mexican Senate’s foreign relations committee, is now president of the IPU and the youngest person, at 39, to hold that office. She has been a prominent advocate for adherence to international humanitarian law and has taken a special interest in the welfare of migrant children.

Click here to read the full article published by Pass Blue on 15 January 2019.

As many political analysts see democracy weakened by introverted, xenophobic parties and autocratic leaders, a glimmer of hope is offered by a new generation of candidates and voters. This year will test that optimism in a series of important elections around the world.

Changes in the composition of national legislatures were already being recorded before 2018 ended. In November, a record number of women were elected or re-elected to the United States Congress, raising the percentage of women to nearly a quarter of the 435 members of the House of Representatives and 25 percent of the 100-seat Senate. Nancy Pelosi is now House speaker after her Democratic party became the majority in that chamber.

Among the newcomers, some members arrived vowing to take on President Trump in any legal way possible, including impeachment. Among the women elected to Congress, two are Muslim and two are Native American — a first in both cases. Trump’s relationships with minority populations have been abysmal.

National legislators seem to be getting younger in numerous countries. In December, the Inter-Parliamentary Union (IPU) reported a still-small but rising percentage of legislators under age 30 over the last two years, edging to 2.2 percent from 1.9 percent. The Geneva-based IPU, with 178-member parliaments representing 6.5 billion people worldwide, began tracking ages of legislators in 2014 and has established an annual global conference for young parliamentarians.

Surveying women in politics, the IPU reported that 30 percent of the delegates to its annual assemblies are women, up from 7.7 percent four decades ago. The organization says it is committed to promoting gender parity.

Gabriela Cuevas Barron, a Mexican senator who has been chairperson of the Mexican Senate’s foreign relations committee, is now president of the IPU and the youngest person, at 39, to hold that office. She has been a prominent advocate for adherence to international humanitarian law and has taken a special interest in the welfare of migrant children.

Click here to read the full article published by Pass Blue on 15 January 2019.

As many political analysts see democracy weakened by introverted, xenophobic parties and autocratic leaders, a glimmer of hope is offered by a new generation of candidates and voters. This year will test that optimism in a series of important elections around the world.

Changes in the composition of national legislatures were already being recorded before 2018 ended. In November, a record number of women were elected or re-elected to the United States Congress, raising the percentage of women to nearly a quarter of the 435 members of the House of Representatives and 25 percent of the 100-seat Senate. Nancy Pelosi is now House speaker after her Democratic party became the majority in that chamber.

Among the newcomers, some members arrived vowing to take on President Trump in any legal way possible, including impeachment. Among the women elected to Congress, two are Muslim and two are Native American — a first in both cases. Trump’s relationships with minority populations have been abysmal.

National legislators seem to be getting younger in numerous countries. In December, the Inter-Parliamentary Union (IPU) reported a still-small but rising percentage of legislators under age 30 over the last two years, edging to 2.2 percent from 1.9 percent. The Geneva-based IPU, with 178-member parliaments representing 6.5 billion people worldwide, began tracking ages of legislators in 2014 and has established an annual global conference for young parliamentarians.

Surveying women in politics, the IPU reported that 30 percent of the delegates to its annual assemblies are women, up from 7.7 percent four decades ago. The organization says it is committed to promoting gender parity.

Gabriela Cuevas Barron, a Mexican senator who has been chairperson of the Mexican Senate’s foreign relations committee, is now president of the IPU and the youngest person, at 39, to hold that office. She has been a prominent advocate for adherence to international humanitarian law and has taken a special interest in the welfare of migrant children.

Click here to read the full article published by Pass Blue on 15 January 2019.