In collaboration with the Electoral Hub, the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) organized a special program on Friday to mark International Women’s Day (IWD).
The event, chaired by INEC Chairman Prof. Mahmood Yakubu, affirmed the Commission’s dedication to deepening gender equality, representation, relevance, and empowerment.
Under the theme “Invest in Women: Accelerate Progress” and the campaign theme “Inspire Inclusion,” Prof. Yakubu emphasized that inclusion has been a central area of INEC’s commitment, encompassing gender, youth, and persons with disabilities.
He highlighted various measures the Commission took to promote gender equality within its structure.
The INEC Chairman noted that out of 24 Departments and Directorates at the Commission’s Headquarters, 11 (46%) are headed by women.
”Additionally, women serve as administrative secretaries in state offices and heads of various departments at the state level,” he stated.
He acknowledged the concern about the low level of gender representation in elective positions and urged political parties to address this by nominating more women, youths, and persons with disabilities as candidates.
To accelerate progress, Prof. Yakubu called on the National Assembly to introduce affirmative action as part of electoral reforms, ensuring greater representation of women, youths, and persons with disabilities in elective offices nationwide.
As part of the commitment to supporting women, he commissioned a new and fully equipped Crèche for the convenience of nursing mothers among the INEC staff.