Ondo NAWOJ
The Chairperson, National Association of Women Journalists, NAWOJ, Ondo state Chapter, Doris Oby Olumoko has berated the low level of female involvement in Ondo state politics as she emphasised the need for more women to be more involved in Governance for the betterment of the society.
She made this known in an exclusive chat with everyeveryng In commemoration of the 2020 International Women’s Day.
Olumoko noted that few women are involved in politics in Ondo state “Politically in Ondo state, we have very few women in position of authority, if more women are involved in Governance, they can make changes.”
She frowned at the poor level of women involvement in Ondo state politics “Ondo state has never had any female deputy Governor, it has always been male Governor and Male deputy Governor, No female representatives from Ondo state in the National Assembly and House of Representatives, take a look at the Ondo state House of Assembly, we have just one female out of about thirty six legislators”
“Also, how many women commissioners do we have in the Ondo state Executive Council, how many women commissioner do we have and what is their position.”
The Ondo state NAWOJ Chairperson advocated the need for women to be celebrated more and trusted with positions that could make them contribute their quota to the society “Women have not been giving the opportunity to serve and it is very certain that when women are giving such opportunity, they will be passionate about societal development not personal interest, when women are giving this opportunity, they will do well and the society will be better for it”
She added “Women have not been given the opportunity to serve in both public and political offices, in terms of appointments and elective positions, women are lagging behind, we need to have more and it is very certain that the society will be better if women are given the opportunity to serve.”
Olumoko berated the rate at which girl child and women are been molested as she opined that every woman and girl child have the rights to their safety and security, hence the need for such rights to be respected
According to her, Sex should be about mutual understanding “Men should take things easy with women, Sex should be a thing of mutual understanding and respect between a man and a woman, you don’t just bounce on a very little girl, molest her sexually, destroy her productive organs and go scot-free.”
Speaking further, she appealed to parents to raise their male children in such a way that would make them grow with the mentality that will make them see the need to respect their female counterparts
Also, on the issue of Gender equality, she said, there is the need to do more “Some parents send their Male children to best of schools while they send their female counterparts to schools they can afford, there is the need to put an end to such disparities, also, in terms of political power, there is the need for equality between men and women.”
She added “When women are involve in politics, they have the tendency of coming up with policies that will positively affect the society, women are known to be passionate about their children, husbands and the society at large, there is the need to advocate more for gender equality in every sphere of social-economic development of Nigeria.”
However, she emphasised the importance of a supportive husband to the growth of career women as she also commended the Ekiti state Government over the decision to give Nursing mothers six months maternity leave.