By Muyideen Aliyu
The global agitation for gender inclusivity in governance has evolved from a local campaign into a central pillar of international development, bolstered by frameworks like the Beijing Declaration’s 35 percent affirmative action mandate.
This movement seeks to provide women with a profound sense of belonging and a platform to contribute to societal progress, particularly as they remain the most vulnerable demographic during periods of conflict and socio-economic crisis.
In Kwara State, this campaign has moved beyond mere rhetoric, finding a practical and historic expression under the administration of Governor AbdulRahman AbdulRazaq.
The AbdulRazaq-led administration has transformed the political atmosphere of the state by offering a definitive answer to the long-standing prayers of advocacy groups.
By consistently ensuring that women occupy over 35 percent of cabinet and leadership positions throughout his six-and-a-half-year tenure, the Governor has set a national benchmark for gender balance. This commitment is rooted in the belief that women are not only pillars of the family unit but critical architects of social stability and the proper upbringing of future generations.
This shift in governance has been met with significant acclaim from key stakeholders. Mariam Yusuf, President of the National Council for Women Societies (NCWS), Kwara State Chapter, has lauded the government’s consistent empowerment of women and youths, noting that these efforts have reinforced advocacy for greater female participation in the state’s political landscape.
Similarly, the Kwara State Commissioner for Women Affairs, Chief (Mrs.) Opeyemi Oluwakemi Afolashade, has been vocal in debunking the myth that politics is a dirty game incompatible with religious or moral values.
She emphasizes that active political involvement is a civic duty that allows women to hold leaders accountable and ensures a balanced electoral environment where equal opportunities exist for all.
The state’s strategy extends beyond high-level appointments to include robust grassroots education aimed at encouraging women to engage in community development projects and the electoral process. By designing programs specifically intended to raise the socio-economic status of women, the administration is building an enduring and free society where women are resilient enough to achieve their goals.
This holistic approach ensures that inclusivity is not just a statistical achievement in the cabinet but a lived reality that fosters political education and sustainable growth across all levels of Kwara society.