Democracy Day: Abia NAWOJ Calls for Greater Inclusion of Women in Governance
By Amarachi Uzoukwu
The Nigeria Association of Women Journalists (NAWOJ), Abia State Chapter, has called for greater inclusion of women in politics, governance and leadership positions as Nigeria marks Democracy Day.
In a statement issued on Friday, the Chairperson of Abia NAWOJ, Ambassador Norah Okafor, said the annual commemoration provides an opportunity to celebrate the nation’s democratic journey and reaffirm the values of inclusion, accountability, participation and equal opportunity.
According to her, democracy can only flourish when all segments of society are adequately represented in decision-making processes.
“Today, we celebrate not only our democratic journey but also the values of inclusion, participation, accountability, and equal opportunity for all citizens.
“Democracy thrives when every voice is heard, and women must continue to have a seat at the table where decisions that shape our society are made”, she stated.
Okafor reaffirmed the association’s commitment to advocating the empowerment of women and encouraging their active participation in leadership and governance.
She stressed that women possess the competence, capacity and vision required to make meaningful contributions to national development and urged stakeholders to create more opportunities for women seeking public office and leadership roles.
The NAWOJ chairperson also underscored the role of the media in strengthening democratic institutions, noting that women journalists remain committed to the ethical standards of the profession.
“We therefore call for greater support, mentorship, and opportunities that will enable more women to contest, lead and influence policies that affect our communities.
“As women journalists, we also recognize our responsibility to uphold the ethics of our profession. We remain committed to fairness, accuracy, objectivity, and responsible reporting”, Okafor stated.
She added that through ethical journalism, the media can promote informed civic engagement, amplify marginalised voices and contribute to the strengthening of democratic governance.
Okafor urged Nigerians to work collectively towards building a society where women are empowered, democratic values are protected, and the media continues to serve as a pillar of truth and accountability.
