EU pledges to assist Nigeria in drive to achieve gender parity ahead of next year's elections

EUROPEAN Union (EU) officials have pledged to assist Nigeria with its plans to bridge the gender gap between men and women in terms of career opportunities and participation in the political process.

Nigeria goes to the polls next year and the EU is keen to see as many women as men participate in the general election as candidates. Speaking in Abuja yesterday, Ketil Karlsen, the head of the EU mission to Nigeria and the Economic Community of West African States (Ecowas) said the community was seeking ways to bridge gender gap in Nigeria ahead of the 2019 general elections.

He added that the EU is committed to seeing more Nigerian women participate in politics and as such is putting measures in place to ensure the active involvement of women in politics across the country. According to Mr Karlsen, to this end, the EU was organising a one-day seminar to mark the International Women’s Month, in Abuja.

Mr Karlsen said that the seminar, scheduled to take place on March 23 would discuss how Nigeria’s leadership selection process could be made more inclusive to accommodate women. Participants, according to him, will explore ways in which women can be empowered to succeed in party primaries and in elections.

He said that they would also discuss how the playing field could be levelled and made less hostile to female candidates. This seminar, with theme: How Do Women Win Elections in 2019?, would draw participants from the National Assembly, civil society and female politicians.

Mr Karlsen added: “The EU has been supporting programmes aimed at empowering girls and women, protecting their rights, transforming their lives and strengthening their voice as drivers of sustainable development. Less than 5% of Nigeria’s 469-member National Assembly are women, so the event will allow us to reflect on and celebrate the progress made towards full attainment of women’s rights as well as to build momentum and support for further action."