INEC LAUDS WOMEN PARTICIPATION IN DEMOCRATIC PROCESS...AS NWTF Trains Ondo Women

The Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC)  has lauded women as one of the vital integral part at putting a viable democratic process in place,hence their importance cannot be over-emphasised.

Speaking in Akure,Ondo state capital Mrs Oluwatoyin Babablola, Ondo state Resident Electoral Commissioner (REC) at the Training of Trainer (ToT) workshop organized by the he Nigerian Women Trust Fund  in collaboration with the the European Union said women will and always play a vital roles at educating their fellow folks about their voting rights and responsibilities.

The REC that was represented  by Mr. Toye Oyeyemi, Deputy director voters education,gender and inclusivity ,INEC posits that the workshop is very important, critical and in an opportune time ahead of the 2024 governorship election in the state.

Noting that the workshop is to empower women trainers to promote informed citizenship and democratic participation ,while the trainers will enhance knowledge of voter education, develop effective training methodologies,foster critical thinking and civic engagement that promote gender sensitivity to voter education.

The REC added that the training will engage in in-depth discussion on electoral process and reforms, explore voter registration exercises and strategies to increase voter turnout, address gender -based barriers to voting ,and develop inclusive training mechanisms.

In her welcome address, Brenda Anogwom, Chief Executive Officer , Nigerian Women Trust Fund ((NWTF) noted that the workshop is especially significant due to the vital support provided by the EU's program for democratic governance in Nigeria. This initiative has been crucial in enhancing democratic processes and strengthening institutions, and it aligns perfectly with the goal of advancing women’s civic engagement.

 A very warm welcome to this esteemed gathering of dedicated women who have come together to participate in our Training of Trainers Workshop on Continuous Voter Education for Women. We are delighted to have you here, as your presence underscores the importance of empowering women in the democratic process.

This workshop is especially significant due to the vital support provided by the EU's program for democratic governance in Nigeria. This initiative has been crucial in enhancing democratic processes and strengthening institutions, and it aligns perfectly with our goal of advancing women’s civic engagement.

Today, we embark on a journey to equip ourselves with the knowledge and skills necessary to ensure that women across our communities are not just registered voters but informed and active participants in shaping our nation's future. By investing in women's civic engagement, we contribute to a more inclusive and representative democracy.

Adding that over the course of the workshop, will explore innovative strategies, share best practices, and collaborate to develop effective tools and methods for reaching out to women of diverse backgrounds. While great  appreciation was expressed  for the EU's support, which noted enabled the organisation to break down barriers that may hinder women's participation in the electoral process.

The twenty (20) women participants drawn from various groups and civil society organizations in the state were charged to build more equitable and inclusive future for all.