The Lagos State Government, on Saturday, called on the National Assembly to enact laws that would provide the enabling environment for more women to participate in politics.
Dr Idiat Adebule, the Lagos State Deputy Governor, made this call at the 8th Annual Mentoring and Leadership event, organised by the Women in Successful Careers (WISCAR).
The event, which was held in Lagos, had the theme: “Women Rising: Transforming Leadership’’.
Adebule said that women’s participation in politics was the only legal and credible means they could use to assume political leadership in a democratic society.
She said that women’s inherent leadership qualities could provoke a real and desirable change in the society.
“Any society that promotes the dignity of women and gives them opportunity to thrive will experience rapid development because women are family-centric.
“As we know, the family is the foremost frontier for national development.
“I urge women to rise to the emerging challenges of leadership, now that the country is at a crossroads in socio-economic development.
“Women should contribute their own quota to national development, most especially with the decline in our value system,’’ she stated.
Adebule said the State Government would continue to support programmes, aimed at encouraging talented women, having the ambition to contribute to national development.
In her remarks, Mrs Amina Oyagbola, founder of WISCAR, said there was the need to promote inspiration and advocacy on women empowerment to spur women into taking up leadership positions.
Oyagbola said that women had the capabilities to create a difference in leadership effectiveness.
“This event is also to recognise, showcase and celebrate women, who have worked extraordinarily to succeed in their careers.
“Drawing inspiration and knowledge from these women would help young women to make informed career choices, achieve their goals and become successful in life,’’ she said.
Oyagbola said that leadership with innovation was required to scale through the present challenges facing the country.
She urged women to explore their potential and take up leadership positions to add value to the society and contribute to national development. (NAN)