In a move to promote greater inclusion of women in governance and decision-making, the Gombe Women Agenda has mobilized religious and traditional leaders, as well as other critical stakeholders, in Gombe. The group, an umbrella body comprising over 100 women's organizations, aims to harmonize women's concerns and engage political aspirants ahead of the 2027 general elections. Convener Ibrahim Yusuf emphasized the importance of involving men, religious leaders, and traditional institutions in the campaign.
The Gombe Women Agenda has developed a proposed charter of demands for women in the state, which includes 10 major pillars and about 20 recommendations. Education, maternal mortality, and women's economic empowerment are key priorities in the charter. Yusuf noted that empowering women would have a wider impact on families and communities, as women play a central role in household and community welfare. The group plans to formally launch and make the document public within the next two to three weeks.
The stakeholders' engagement in Gombe was necessary to ensure that women's objectives are achieved with the support of influential community leaders. Secretary of the Gombe Women Agenda, Mrs. Ruth Abner, emphasized that the group cannot achieve its goals without the help and support of stakeholders. The group is focused on ensuring that women are heard and included in decision-making, and Abner identified lack of support from men, domestic restrictions, electoral violence, and insecurity as factors discouraging women from participating fully in elections.
The Gombe Women Agenda has intensified grassroots advocacy and sensitization to encourage women, particularly those in rural communities, to participate in elections and resist the temptation of exchanging their votes for short-term benefits. Abner noted that the group is not insisting that women must necessarily be the candidates on the ballot but wants political leaders who will listen to their concerns and address them. The group's projection for 2027 is to see greater recognition of women's challenges and their increased participation in decision-making.
Yusuf emphasized that misconceptions surrounding women's development often create barriers to their participation, and religious and traditional leaders can help bridge the gap. He noted that these leaders have listening ears of the executive or politicians and can be used to reach out to them. The group plans to use their platforms to reach out to politicians and ensure that women's concerns are addressed.
The Gombe Women Agenda has urged Nigerians to participate actively in the 2027 elections and resist intimidation at the polls. Yusuf encouraged people to come out and vote wisely, using their conscience to elect better leaders. He also emphasized the importance of collecting whatever anybody brings, as it is their property and money, but voting wisely to ensure that better people emerge at different positions.
The group's efforts aim to promote greater inclusion of women in governance and decision-making in Gombe. With the support of stakeholders, the Gombe Women Agenda is confident that its objectives can be achieved, leading to a more equitable and representative society. The group's campaign is a significant step towards promoting women's participation in the 2027 elections and beyond.
Key points
- The Gombe Women Agenda has developed a proposed charter of demands for women in the state, which includes 10 major pillars and about 20 recommendations.
- The group plans to formally launch and make the document public within the next two to three weeks.
- The Gombe Women Agenda has intensified grassroots advocacy and sensitization to encourage women, particularly those in rural communities, to participate in elections.
