2019 elections: WF.M, UNWomen demand end to violence against women
Women Radio 91.7, with support from UNWomen, have stepped up advocacy for protecting Nigerian women, calling on Nigerians to shun violence against women in the forthcoming 2019 elections. They have also urged the electorate to vote for women to increase women’s leadership and political empowerment in the polity.
The radio station has also taken it upon itself, embarking on advocacy visits to various stakeholders of democracy in a bid to ensure the general elections is peaceful and non-violent to increase women’s participation this time around.
Toun Okewale Sonaiya, MD, Women Radio, during a visit to INEC’s headquarters in Magbon, Abeokuta, Ogun State, said INEC has a major role to play in ensuring that the election is devoid of violence against women and allows them exercise their civil rights to vote and be voted for, adding that Women Radio would track incidences of electoral violence against women before, during and after the elections.
In her response, Olori Adenike Tadese, HOD, Voters Education and Publicity, Gender and Civil Society Organisations, said the electoral body has made provisions for pregnant women, the elderly and persons living with disabilities across the state with adequate security personnel and that priority would be given to vulnerable persons during the elections.
Oludele Popoola, INEC Representative/Admin Secretary also emphasized that not only is INEC fully ready for the elections, but they would ensure that the voting processes are duly followed in an enabling environment for all to vote. He said women will not be disenfranchised this time around and urged every stakeholder including the media to work together with them in preventing violence.
INEC officials present at the meeting included Omolara Onabanjo, Voters Education and Gender Desk Officer; Samuel Ogunjemilua, HOD Electoral Operations; Abayomi Onisarutu, Electoral Officer Ado-Odo Ota LGA/representing all electoral officers in Ogun State; Omole Folasade, Public Affairs Officer; Olayiwola Oyeniyi, HOD Finance and Accounts and Lawrence Aladetoyinbo, HOD, Voter Registrar/ICT.
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