Women Groups Express Fear of Marginalisation Under Buhari

Women Groups Express Fear of Marginalisation Under Buhari

18 May 2015

Muhammadu Buhari

• Say composition of transition c'ttee negates gender equality

Senator Iroegbu and Adedayo Akinwale in Abuja

Women in Politics Forum (WIPF) and the coalition of other women groups have expressed fear of marginalisation in the incoming administration of General Muhammadu Buhari,

They stated that despite Buhari making promises during his  electioneering campaign that credible women would be given opportunities in his administration, the composition of his May 29 Transition Committee was gender biased.

The president of the groups, Barr. Ebere Ifendu, stated this at a press briefing in Abuja, where she said the inclusion of women and men's perspectives and experiences in the decision making process would inevitably lead to solutions that are more viable.

According to Ifendu, the press conference was  "provoked by the recent appointments by the in-coming administration where it failed in its commitment to Nigerian women in terms of equitable representation on its inauguration and transition committees.

"The women are viewing this action as indicative of new government's posture on selection and appointment".

She emphasised that the incoming administration should remember that the observers' reports highlighted large turnout by women to the polls that saw the All Progressive Congress(APC) victorious in the 2015 general elections, and should therefore be appropriately be involved in decision making progress.

The president insisted that despite having very low number of women in the 8th National Assembly, there are capable women that could be appointed to the post of deputy Senate President, Deputy Speaker and even Secretary to the Government of the Federation (SGF).

Ifendu however called on the incoming administration to implement its commitments to the Nigerian women forthwith.

She also emphasised that appointment of women in key positions should go beyond party affiliation and target women with proven competence in their various fields of endeavour, stressing that the 35 per cent affirmative action must stand at least.