Chairman of Independent National Electoral Commission, Professor Attahiru Jega has directed political parties to eliminate all hindrances to women participation in the 2015 elections.
Professor Jega made this statement at the unveiling of the INEC Gender Policy in Abuja. The Gender Policy was drawn from National Gender Policy, 2006 and Vision 20:2020 document.
He said considering the number of women in the country and the important role women play, they must be actively involved in every aspect of governance and INEC would fully cooperate with political parties to ensure that women are not discouraged from vying for elective posts.
According to Prof. Jega, “The policy is also aimed at supporting an enabling legislative environment to achieve gender equality and bridge gaps in political representation in elective posts at all electoral level.”
The objective of the INEC Gender Policy is to aggressively encourage gender equity and balance within political parties.