Ondo 2020: Violence against women must stop, INEC tells Security agents

The Independent National Electoral Commission,INEC ,has called on law enforcement agencies and other relevant stakeholders to rise to their responsibilities in ensuring that the governorship election in Ondo state is gender friendly and devoid of any form of violence against women .

INEC Resident Electoral Commissioner, Ambassador Rufus Akeju gave the advice on Wednesday at the stop Violence against Women in Politics, VAWIP workshop in Akure ,the Ondo state capital.

The Stop– VAWIP advocacy and community organising and mobilising workshop was organized by National Democratic Institute, NDI.

Represented by the Head, Gender and Civil Society Organisations Unit, Mrs Dolapo Alo , Akeju said the electoral body was also set to play its roles for a hitch – free election in Ondo state.

Akeju said “ The past two decades have witnessed an impressive rise in women’s political representation around the world, with the global average in the share of women in national parliament doubling during that time, and all region is making substantial progress towards the goal of 30% percent women’s representation in decision making.

In line with global trend, Nigerian women constitute nearly half of the population of the Country, but despite the major roles they play, women role in the society are yet to be accorded the required recognition. Although women’s role in the Country socioeconomic and cultural landscape appears to be increasing, it is expected that the increasing role of women in the society would translate to greater inclusion of women in the political process.

While the best way to end violence against women and girls is to prevent it from happening in the first place by addressing its root and structural causes is necessary given its devastating effect on women.

Prevention should start early in life by educating and working with young boys and girls in promoting respectful relationships and Gender equality. Working with youth is a ”best bet” for faster, sustained progress in preventing and eradicating gender-based violence. While public policies and interventions often overlook this stage of life, it is a critical time when values and norms around gender equality are forged.

Prevention also entails supporting the implementation of the agreed conclusion of the 57th session of the Commission on the status of women (CSW) that placed a strong focus on prevention through the promotion of gender equality, women’s empowerment and enforcement of human rights. It also means making the home and public spaces safer for women and girls,ensuring women’s security, economic autonomy, and. increasing women’s participation in decision-making.

The Commission is at present looking toward having a legal backing through Constitution and Electoral Amendment to enforce
35% women representation at all levels.

While the forthcoming election will present another opportunity for women involvement in the electoral process, INEC is leaving no stone unturned to ensure adequate voters education, and prosecution of electoral offenders. The law enforcement and agency and all relevant stakeholders should therefore arise to their responsibility make the election gender friendly, free and fair. ”

Other keynote speakers at the workshop stressed the need for women leaders to troop out, mobilise and participate in the forthcoming governorship election in Ondo state.