On behalf of the International Foundation for Electoral Systems (@IFESNigeria), I am pleased to join you at this National Dialogue for Women Groups and Candidates Ahead of the 2023 General Elections.
2. I applaud the Commission for bringing this crucial conversation to Nigerian women & by extension, the Gender & Inclusivity department. I want to extend my congratulations to all the candidates & women's organizations who worked together to make this national dialogue a reality
3. @IFESNigeria has provided INEC with technical support in important areas like strategic planning, election project plans, electoral operations, the inclusion of marginalized groups, and technical training on essential electoral thematic areas.
4. The results of this support have been overwhelmingly good, and it has helped the commission hold elections that can be trusted. @IFESNigeria would like to thank INEC for its cooperation, openness to receiving assistance, and overall generosity over the past few years.
5. Women's movements have led the way in establishing relevant legislation and policies for gender equality and boosting women's involvement in local, national, and international affairs.
6. Here in Nigeria, we can point to many examples of the powerful effects of women uniting for a common cause, such as the ongoing mobilization of women across party lines to develop plans to end the persistent underrepresentation of women in elected political office.
7. The participation of men and women equally in all aspects of public life is one of the essential pillars of democracy.
8. With the support of the IFES, INEC organized this discussion to raise the voices of women in public life, understand their problems & get their opinions in light of the upcoming 2023 elections in an effort to uphold this principle & give women a level playing field in politics
9. I would like to appreciate all stakeholders present here for their participation in this important dialogue which highlights our collective willingness to work together to ensure that Nigeriaβs electoral process is truly inclusive of the needs and aspirations of women.
10. I also extend my appreciation to our donors; the United States Agency for International Development (USAID), and the Foreign, Commonwealth, and Development Office (FCDO) for their continuous support and commitment to enhancing credible elections in Nigeria.
11. Finally, on behalf of IFES, we look forward to a productive dialogue session and wish you all a fruitful deliberation.
Thank you!
Obaje Ukeh
Deputy Country @IFESNigeria
Thank you!
Obaje Ukeh
Deputy Country @IFESNigeria
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