Femi Mustapha
Partnership to Engage Reform and Learn (PERL) has called on Women and Media to participate more in the electoral processes ahead of the general elections in 2023.
The State team Facilitator, PERL, Mr Abel Adejor asserted this during a one-day engagement with citizens groups, women and media in Kaduna.
Adejor explained the need for women to be more involved in political activities.
Speaking at the Media, he said the responsibilities and obligations placed on their shoulders are indeed enormous. , because the information they give out t has to be borne with a deep sense of responsibility, commitment and tact.
Mr. Adejor added that the Media is a powerful tool for good, protecting the rights of citizens to information, giving voice to people, providing platforms for diverse opinions, making policies and programmes of government accessible to people and creating conditions for tolerance and understanding.
The media according to him, not only the cornerstone of democracy, they also play an indispensable role in the proper functioning of a democracy.
The vital role of the media as a watchdog of the democratic process and in influencing political discourse, especially during elections, is essential to democratic consolidation.
Universally, the role of the media in information dissemination and public enlightenment through the provision of platforms for electoral campaigns, public debate and voter education is a pre-condition for free and fair elections.
Elections are not just about the right to vote. Knowledge of the voting process, information about political parties, candidates and their programmes are also crucial. Also required is the acquisition of the knowledge of how to vote. It is the sacred responsibility of the media to provide avenues and opportunities for citizens’ participation, political inclusion and empowerment.
In his remarks State Partnership Facilitator, PERL, Istifanus Akau said “women have always been in the background in the electoral process even though we make the highest number in Nigeria’s population and should be given chance to contribute and be part of the electoral process.
Speaking on the objectives of the meeting Miss Grace Gankon of PERL said the engagement is to
Strengthen citizens’ voices, including women and other excluded groups to articulate their demands that will be used in engaging the electoral cycle and holding elected representatives to account based on their commitments.
She added that the engagement is to partner with existing platforms, structures, and election partners to amplify voices and build on key reform issues
