By Adetomiwa Adetoye
The Institute for Media and Society (IMS) has reiterated its commitment towards promoting gender equity and inclusion of People with Disabilities (PWD) in political and social activities.
IMS Programs Manager, Timothy Bamidele made this known at a one day roundtable meeting with community leaders and the media on gender equity and inclusion for local development organized by the Institute of Media and Society.
Bamidele called on government at all levels to empower women and vulnerable people for participation in socio-economic development to promote gender equity and inclusion for local development.
He also tasked community leaders to build a strong synergy with the media in promoting gender equality and participation in socio economic activities at the grassroots.
Bamidele highlighted some of the ways to foster good relationship between community leaders and journalists to include courtesy visits to different media outfits, regular issuance of press releases, identifying community reporters, and dissemination of information via the use of social media.
Speaking also at the roundtable meeting, veteran journalist and columnist Mr. Lekan Sote urged the women and PWD to involve themselves in grassroots’ politics and not to wait for politicians to carry them along only during campaign and electioneering process.
He also spoke on the need for the men and community leaders to support active participation of women in politics and their quest for political positions/ relevance.
He expressed displeasure at the low participation of women and PWDs in the just concluded general election stating that there was a reduction in the number of women who won in the elections compared to 2015 general elections.
Sote said implementation of the National Gender Policy will promote participation of women in politics.
This policy demands that 35% of women be involved in all governance processes.
Earlier on Wednesday, the Institute for Media and Society (IMS) presented a validated citizen driven women action plan for Alimosho and Mushin LGAs to CDC Chairmen in Mushin LGA, Alhaji Olatunde Okunwobi and Mr Adebayo Adekunle. The Chairmen assured the institute of thier total support and availability to attend to the needs of the women and PWDs.
