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With the 2019 elections drawing near, women have been urged to contest for top positions including the presidency.
The Women’s Research and Documentation Center (WORDOC), University of Ibadan, made the call on Monday in a statement issued as part of its 30th anniversary.
Anniversary programmes are slated for Wednesday, October 18 and Thursday, October 19, at the UI International Conference Centre and the Institute of African Studies, where the centre is domiciled.
Women and other stakeholders will gather to discuss the theme: “30 Years on: What Do Women Want, What Should Women Want?”
The centre which was founded by erudite historian, Prof. Bolanle Awe, hailed the emergence of a woman as president in Singapore and encouragec on women in Africa to join leadership races in politics, professional associations and in the community to prove their ability and competence in transforming the society.
The centre said the growth of equality in the society is a boost for the recognition and equal representation in every sphere of life which women constantly seek.
The statement said that WORDOC is in support of the development in Singapore and “looks forward to emergence of more women in top positions in Africa, especially in Nigeria now that the United Nations entity for Gender Equality and the Empowerment of Women (UN Women) has given its full support for female politicians vying for elective position in the 2019 general elections”.
These certainly require full commitment and support from all stakeholders. We look forward to the time when a woman will lead Nigeria”, the statement added.
At the anniversary discussions, stakeholders will focus on historical issues, epistemological and moral issues, environmental issues and women in politics, agriculture, parenting, traditional and socio-cultural issues.