National Centre for Women Development (NCWD) in collaboration with United Nations (UN) has launched a resource centre in Maiduguri to promote women’s political engagement and advancement as well as mentorship for aspiring female politicians in Borno state.
The Director-General of the NCWD, Dr Asabe Vilita-Bashir, in Maiduguri on Thursday, said the centre will serve as a hub that provides opportunities for female politicians to access information and knowledge products, electronic equipment, internet facilities, counselling and contacts that would enhance female productivity for effective participation in politics.
She noted that it is no news that Women’s representation in Nigerian politics has been on a downward slide since 2011, and extremely low in Borno State.
According to her, the resource centre is being launched to complement the current administration in its pursuit to advance women in politics and governance in Nigeria.
“This Resource Centre in Maiduguri is the third to be launched. The first was launched on the 14th of November 2022 at the Maryam Babangida National Centre for Women Development (MBNCWD), Abuja while the second was launched on the 12th of July 2023 in Calabar at the Cross River State’s Ministry of Women Affairs.
“As we celebrate this Centre, we continue to appreciate the UN Women for their decision to partner with the MBNCWD on this initiative and the Canadian Government for their huge support so far,” said Vilita.
Also speaking, UN Women’s Country Representative in Nigeria, Beatrice Eyong, said the United Nations had been at the forefront of global efforts to promote gender equality and women’s participation in governance.
She explained that the launching of the centre in Maiduguri signified its shared commitment towards advancing women’s participation in politics in the North-East region.
She urged the Borno state ministry of women affairs to promote generational gender equality for women’s empowerment.
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