The government of Engr Seyi Makinde has received more boost of encouragement and appreciation from women folks for the recognition of some women at the helms of affairs in the state.
They are however asking for more.
In a chat with OYOINSIGHT.COM, they expressed appreciation to the incumbent administration, especially with the appointment of women in key positions.
This newspaper recalls that secretary to the state government, Mrs Olubamiwo Adeosun; Ms Tara Adefope, who oversees the due process office and Ms. Ololade Ajibola who is special assistant on special duties had earlier been appointed.
The duo of Mrs Funmi Orisadeyi and Alhaja Fausat Sanni were later appointee commissioners in the ministries of local government and chieftaincy matters and women affairs and social inclusion respectively.
Adeosun is from Ibadan while Orisadeyi is from Ibarapa. The duo of Sanni and Ajibola aw from Okeogun. Only Ogbomoso and Oyo zones are yet to have women representation in the government.
Some of them who did not want name mentioned applauded Makinde for setting a good pace for women participation at the state level.
They expressed optimism that unlike previous administrations, Makinde administration would appoint women into various offices like chairmanship, vice-chairmanship, councilorship, board chairmanships and head of civil service agencies.
“So far, Governor Seyi Makinde has done well with the appointments of women into key positions in the state. It is motivating. It shows that he is someone who believes in women emancipation. I am proud seeing women in strategic positions. One thing I would like to ask is that he should appoint more females into his government. That will go a long way in motivating them and increasing women participation in politics. No doubt, we have many women in politics at the grassroots level. We however need people who would encourage them more.”
Only recently, a non-governmental group with the aim of promoting health, education, sport and socio-cultural life of a girl-child, Ibadan United Ladies Foundation appealed to Makinde to implement the UN Economic and Social Council resolution 1990/15 which recommended 30 percent women representation in government.
Speaking through its Director of Campaign and Organization, Mrs. Olufunmilayo Bankole, the group called on government at all levels to consider the policy of equal and fair gender involvement in all areas of government activities.
According to her, “It’s about 24 years now that governments from all the nations under UN converged in Beijing for the Fourth World Conference on Women. At the end of the meeting the resolution adopted was tagged ‘Beijing Declaration and Platform for Action’. It pronounced ‘the most progressive blueprint ever for advancing women’s rights’. The resolution was actually adopted to promulgate a set of principles concerning the quality of men and women.”
“It’s pathetic to note that of all the 17 platform for action agreed by the participating nations to implement hardly could we point to one that has been sincerely implemented in Nigeria. This is unacceptable and we are ready to commit all to ensure situation change in Nigeria, Oyo State in particular,” Bankole lamented.
“The UN Economic and Social Council resolution 1990/15 calls on governments, political parties, trade unions, and professional and other representative groups to adopt a 30 percent minimum proportion of women in leadership positions, with a view to achieving equal representation.
“Unfortunately this has not been adopted, not even in Oyo State. Although, we could understand that parties coalition may affect Gov Makinde’s decision on this, nevertheless, we are expecting the governor to make up for this in his future appointments,” she stated.
Bankole also declared the determination of the group to go round various groups, unions, associations, political parties and governments to demand support for women and girl-children.
“By December, 2019 we shall kick start a campaign for the implementation of Beijing Declaration and Platform for Action, as well as adoption of the UN Economic and Social Council resolution 1990/15 on 30 percent women representation,” Bankole promised.
Also, a former First Lady of Oyo State, Chief (Mrs.) Mutiat Olayinka Ladoja, the Asiwaju Iyalode of Ibadanland condemned non-compliance of the political parties and government at all levels with the recommendation of United Nations on women appointment into leadership positions.
According to her, “Men are unfair to women in position sharing after election, they exploit women during the campaign period. We are the one you will see on the road singing, dancing, hailing, or how many men can dance on the street during campaign?”
“We leave our husbands, children and businesses to make an unmatched contributions towards ensuring success for our various political parties during elections. We are mothers, we know it will affect the future of our children that’s why we go all out to vote.”
“But after elections men will come up with various and unpleasant excuses to deny women of their rights, deny us of dividend of democracy, monopolizing every available position, they are cheating us.”
“When it comes to sharing dividend of democracy you will hear them saying, she’s a woman, she cannot hold this position and so many excuses will be coming up. Number of women in power is too low, am not happy with that.”
“Women should learn to rally support for their fellow women, encourage more women participation in politics, ensure every girl-child receive good and quality education. You men are using our brain, there’s no man that wouldn’t discuss his challenges at working place with his wife.”
“Women are brilliant, prudent, trustworthy and professionally qualified to hold any political post. I will support and sponsor any woman that is interested in contesting for political post,” Asiwaju Iyalode concluded.
