By Adadareporters
Various political parties should consider fielding females as running mates to give the women folk a sense of belonging in the nation’s polity.
The Nigeria Association of Women Journalists (NAWOJ) made the appeal in a statement issued by its president, Miss Ladi Bala.
NAWOJ commended various political parties for successfully conducting their presidential primaries.
According to the statement, “There is however the need for a gender sensitive representation in the entire political equation and balancing. There is no gain saying that this has become imperative.
“It is against this backdrop that the association is hereby appealing to political parties to, in the interest of inclusive society and development, consider picking a woman as running mate for the office of vice president and deputy governors of the respective states.
“It is worrisome to note that rumours making the rounds are suggestive of male candidates being considered for the office of vice president by political parties.
“This posture will not only negate the contributions of women to nation building but also endanger an inclusive governance in Nigeria where all demography clearly indicates the need for a sense of belonging and giving equal opportunities for females to serve at the highest level.
“The time has come for the promotion of gender equality in political leadership in Nigeria to be accorded the centre stage, particularly as we head towards the 2023 General Elections.”
The association appealed to media organisations and advocates of equity and justice ‘to rise to the occasion of setting agenda for a more inclusive governance in Nigeria’.
