They wife of Anambra State Governor, Mrs Nonye Soludo has called for an urgent review of the National Gender Policy and supporting bills that will to give better room for the involvement of women in political representation in Nigeria.
Mrs Soludo made the call in Awka while speaking on the performances of female candidates who contested in the 2023 general elections.
The Anambra State first lady’s remarks did follow a recent review that ninety-six per cent of women who took part in the 2023 general elections lost to their male counterparts across the country.
The review was done by a national daily and disclosed that a total of 1,553 women were on the ballot for the presidential, governorship, national and state assemblies’ elections held on February 25 and March 18, 2023.
Out of a total of 15,307 candidates who took part under the 18 registered political parties , male candidates constituted 13,754, which represented 89.8 per cent while the 1,553 female candidates represented 10.1 per cent.
Analysis of the results declared by the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) further revealed that only 72 women got elected at federal and state levels, while 1,487 lost the elections.
Nonye Soludo described the results as unsatisfactory, considering the great role women play in the socio-political development of the country, also said it had become pertinent to make Nigeria’s overall political framework friendly to women.
The Anambra Governor’s wife added that, it is time to review the National Gender Policy and similar initiatives with strong legal backing, so women can get better support and be encouraged to take part in politics.
The state first lady congratulated women who won in the elections and enjoined them to serve with compassion that they are known for, and remember to use their positions to better the lot of others.
