Female lawmakers of the Parliament of the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS) under the aegis of ECOWAS Female Parliamentarians Association (ECOFEPA), have taken more steps to increase the participation of women in the political and socio- economic life of West Africa.
This development emerged on Saturday during the Second Edition of Town Hall meeting organised by ECOFEPA to inspire young female political aspirants from various youth networks who are trailblazing barriers that historically prevented the full participation of women in politics in the region.
Speaking on the theme ” Changing Our Story Through Dialogue, Empowerment and Networking”, President of ECOFEPA, Filomena Vieira Martins, in her remarks, advised young women to aspire for political positions with more determination so that the girl child can have the platform to participate in the decision making of their countries.
She noted that power is not given on a platter of gold even as she tasked the women to fight to secure their place in the political arena as the men are not willing to relinquish power.
“You need to fight to get power in the political arena. We demand to be included in the socio- political life of our countries,” she admonished.
The lawmaker from Capo Verde, said ECOFEPA, was formed to help stimulate the desires of West African women and encourage them to surmount the historical obstacles against them and take their place in politics. She however, urged the women to pursue education and build careers, adding that with proper networking, the women will achieve their dreams.
“Education has started to change the mentality of political as well as cultural issues. We have to continue to fight so that these prejudices can reduce. When we are scientifically and politically intelligent that is when the men can respect us”, she said.
First Vice President of ECOFEPA, Kaboubie Reine Sakande Benao, who shared her experience, charged the women to be more patient, courageous and persevere even as she urged them to build their lives on good values while seeking the support of their spouses in their political decisions. She emphasised the need for women to increase their political solidarity while also managing issues of the family very well.
A member of the ECOWAS Parliament, Hajaratu Traore Coulibally, from Cote d’ Ivoire, who spoke to reporters at the sidelines of the event, said women should not sell themselves cheap in the pursuit of their political career. ” Women must stick to positive values as these will dignify them. We must be self-confident, strategic and morally strong,” she said.
Another female Parliamentarian, Veronica Sesay, from Sierra Leone, who spoke to reporters in an interview, encouraged the women to be steadfast, have integrity as well as work side by side with the men.
“Without women, there is no government. Women need to be brought on board and we need to destroy the fixed mentality against women,” she said.
Some of female political groups that graced the ocassion include; Aspire Women Forum, FCT Young Female Leaders, Pink Initiative,TAG, Members of the National Youth Service Corps (NYSC) ECOCOURT Amazons, West African Civil Soceity Forum and others.
Innocent Odoh, Abuja
