DFID to strengthen Nigerian women representation in politics

The United Kingdom Minister for International Development, Nick Hurd, says the Department for International Development will partner with Nigeria to strengthen women representation in politics.
At a meeting with the Nigerian Women in Politics in Abuja on Friday, Hurd observed that the number of women in politics was few.
He said the low representation of women at the seat of power in the country had been a great concern to international body.
Hurd said the Department was planning a project on strengthening the Nigerian woman.
He said this would involve about £35 million to deepen democracy in the country.
The minister said the project would identify and break down the barrier to women’s effective participation in politics.
Hurd said the project would involve working with key influential elements in political parties, federal and state legislature, journalists, traditional and religious leaders, among others.
He said there was the need to support aspirants and legislators to build strong relations with women in their constituencies.
He also said the National Democratic Institute would support the project, urging the institute to work closely with local civil society organisations in the country to achieve the goals.
Hurd said the project could only be a success with the engagement and supports from all the women already in politics.
“Fighting for stronger women representation in Nigeria and the world’s parliaments is not just a female issue but an issue for us all,” he added.
In his response, the Deputy Senate President, Ike Ekweremadu, said it was true that women percentage in the Senate was low.
Ekweremadu congratulated the UK government for its bold step to support the Nigerian women in politics.
Also in her response, Rep. Nnenna Ukeje, representing Bende Federal Constituency, Abia State, said the fight for more women in politics in Nigeria would continue till the goal was achieved.
Ukeje assured the DFID that the women legislators would work together with other civil society organisations to achieve the goal.
NAN.