Group Mobilises Against Violence On Women In Election

By Sikiru Obarayese

A non-governmental organisation, Hope for Family Development Initiative (HFDI), has flagged off campaign on Stop-Violence against Women in Election, ahead of the September 22, Osun governorship poll.

Executive Director of HFDI, Aremu Stephen, while addressing the media in Osogbo recently said the civic right of each individual is to vote and be voted for, which women should not be isolated from.

He explained that the programme was aimed at informing and educating Osun women on electoral processes, to mobilize for women participation in the Osun election and to sensitize electorates on what constitutes violence against women in elections.

He said: “The project is slated for three months and will be implemented majorly in 18 LGAs that have records of low turnout of women in previous elections in Osun. However, the other 12 LGAs will still have the touch of some slated activities such as media awareness on radio, and rallies.”

He listed the 18 councils as Iwo, Ayedaade, Ife East, Ife South, Olaoluwa, Odo-Otin, Ifedayo, Ejigbo, Egbedore, Irewole, Ife Central, Ilesa East, Atakunmosa East, Olorunda, Ifelodun, Ila, Irepodun, and Oriade, stressing that the campaign would target the highlighted LGAs to mobilise women participation during the elections.

Speaking at the conference, religious leaders called on women to exercise their rights during elections and jointly agreed that women should not be left out.

The organisation said it has liaised with wide range of stakeholders including the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), the National Orientation Agency (NOA), security agencies, traditional rulers, women groups, local government authorities, religious leaders for their involvement in the programme.

Representatives of women groups such as women wing of Christian Association of Nigeria (WOWICAN), Federation of Muslim Women Association of Nigeria (FOMWAN), National Council of Women Society (NCWS), market women association among others were also in attendance.