ACWP takes advocacy to Adamawa assembly, seeks more political spaces for women
A group under the aegis of Adamawa Concerned Women in Politics (ACWP) has today visited Adamawa State house of assembly where it advocated for more spaces for women in politics in Adamawa State.
The group which met with Hon. Kate Mamuno, member representing Demsa State constituency who doubles as the majority leader and the only woman in the state house of assembly told the member that they are in the house to seek her support to push for women participation in electoral process.
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The President of the organization Hajiya Zainab Abubakar thanked Governor Ahmadu Umaru Fintiri for his inclusive approach to governance especially in consideration of how he carries along women in his strides.
She told Mamuno that ACWP, with the support of the International Foundation for Electoral Systems (IFES) and the Garga Foundation, is dedicated to advancing women’s participation and leadership in politics.
Zainab in a similar passion told the Major leader that the core mandate of her organization is to address the underrepresentation of women in the political landscape of Adamawa State noting that, “we are committed to breaking down the barriers that hinder women from participating fully in governance.”
“Today, we come with a humble request for your assistance in scheduling an advocacy visit to the relevant committees of the Adamawa State House of Assembly. Engaging with these committees will be crucial in advancing our advocacy for gender-sensitive policies and ensuring that the voices and concerns of women are included in legislative decisions.
“Additionally, we kindly seek your support in arranging a meeting with His Excellency, Governor Ahmadu Umaru Fintiri, within the next week or the following one. This meeting is vital for us to express our sincere gratitude to His Excellency for his ongoing support of women’s political participation. We also wish to seek his further backing for our initiatives, particularly as we aspire to see a woman become the next governor of Adamawa State, with his invaluable support.
“With the backing of IFES and the Garga Foundation, ACWP is steadfast in its mission to empower women to not only participate in politics but also to lead. We believe that with your support, Hon. Kate, and the support of the entire House, our advocacy will yield significant and lasting change, paving the way for a more inclusive and equitable political environment in Adamawa State.
“Thank you once again for your time and consideration of our requests. We look forward to your positive response and continued collaboration as we work together to create a political landscape where women can fully participate and lead,” Zainab said.
Responding, the majority leader, thanked them for the visit saying that such advocacy will provide the needed impetus for participation of more women in politics.
She noted that although she is receiving the overwhelming support of her male counterparts, the fact that she is a lone voice in the house make it difficult to champion some critical concerns of women and other disadvantaged groups noting that such challenge should prod women into joining politics.
She also expressed gratitude to governor Ahmadu Umaru Fintiri for giving women premore in his administration noting that he is the first governor to appoint a woman as CJ and another one as deputy in rapid successions just as he ensured women emerged as deputies in their various local governments in the recent local government election.
Mamuno said she is considering presenting a bill on gender equality noting that contrary to strong held myths, issues of gender equality covers both male and female and not the exclusive advantage of women.
She promised to unconditionally continue to support governor Fintiri’s laudable leadership and urge women to up their ante in pursuing political offices as no one will give them such positions on the alter of sympathy.
Also thanking Mamuno for her leadership, Aminu Adamu, the project coordinator of Garga foundation said like Oliver Twist, his foundation will continue to seek more support from her in order to push more women into elective positions.
He also lauded the majority leader for her warm reception despite notifying her of their visit at a short notice.
Highlight of the event was the appointment of Mamuno as the new Patron of the organization.
