IJEBUCCIMA urges FG to increase women representation

The Ijebu Chamber of Commerce, Industry, Mines and Agriculture (IJEBUCCIMA), Ijebu-Ode in Ogun, has urged the Federal Government to improve the ratio of women’s participation in governance.

Its President, Mr Rafiu Oshiyemi, made the plea at the 2022 International Women’s Day celebration with some pregnant women at the State Hospital, Ijebu-Ode on Thursday.

Oshiyemi said that the ratio ought to have been increased to a double digit as against the seven per cent currently obtained.

“The ratio is very low; too low, as a matter of fact, but we will impress and encourage the government to improve it.

“Even, if we cannot attain the 50:50 per cent, they should at least, improve it to a double digit percentage.

“It could be 30:70 as against the seven per cent now.

“The ratio now at the National Assembly, state Houses of Assembly, Senate and even in the government parastatal agencies is still a single digit. Women occupy only about three per cent.

“It should be gradually increased and women too should support each other. At the polling booth, women rarely vote for their colleagues,” he said.

Also, Mrs Folake Jimoh, Head of the Women Wing of IJEBUCCIMA, said the choice of celebrating with the pregnant women was because they were considered as the previous contact of any child.

Jimoh said it was important to let them know the change of mindset toward the girl-child, just as they should know what support the public should give them so as to utilise their potential.

“We’re here to talk to them, celebrate with them and to let them know the stereotype attached to being a woman and how to break the bias.

“This is the 21st century where a woman can do anything and be anything they want to be.

“We are happy that it’s gradually happening and the society is giving the female child a chance to be what they want to be,” she added.

Jimoh stressed the need for aggressive sensitisation campaign amongst women to inculcate the girl-power into every female child from infancy.

Responding, one of the pregnant women, Mrs Olateju Kassim, thanked the association for identifying with them.

Kassim commended the organisers of the event for the gifts presented to them.