The participation of women in politics in the last few months has experienced a quantum leap and this is because a non-governmental organisation, Evolving Women In Politics, (EWIP) took it upon itself to see to it. On Thursday, December 30, 2021, the EWIP Lagos chapter, headed by the interim coordinator, Chief Dr Mrs Raliat Anako Abdulsalam held its first end-of-the-year party in Lagos.
Women
of timber and calibre from all walks of life with the same political interest
as well as the regular women on the streets stormed the Adeniyi Jones venue for
an evening of brainstorming as well as relaxation and entertainment to round
off a seemingly successful and eventful year in style.
DAMILARE SALAMI 08155134152 alongside Photojournalist, ABDUL RASHEED SANNI covered the event and below are excerpts.
VETERAN
ACTOR, MADAM KOFO, MADAM TAIWO ANCHOR EVENT
It
was a blend of the oldies and the new generation and their combination catered
to the needs of the two generations that were ably represented at the event.
Madam Kofo brought the old memories and took the women back to the good old
days while she also reminded them of the fact that women have been very pivotal
in the development and the preservation of Nigeria’s democracy, citing the Aba
women riot of 1923 as well as the contributions of the likes of the late
Funmilayo Ransome Kuti and Alhaja Simbiat Abiola. The 2 comperes made the event
fun for their guests.
ABOUT
EWIP
Evolving
Women In Progress (EWIP) Abuja branch, a non-governmental organisation that
seeks to mitigate violence against women during elections and encourage the participation of women in politics in the country.
EWIP
is not just politically oriented; it is also a social gathering that caters to
the needs of women across all ages, religions and tribes. Since its inception
in about a year ago, EWIP has conducted medical outreaches for women, paid
school fees for young girls alongside many other philanthropic gestures.
EWIP
is self-sponsored and has no government affiliations. Although it has been able
to assist some politicians to win elections, it has continued to engage women so
that they can be fully involved in the governance process. “We are gathered
here to educate women to register, get their Permanent Voter Cards, vote and be
voted for during elections to fill political offices in the country".
“EWIP
is a worldwide affair with a political undertone and our message is to also
encourage women to go into politics and contest into elective positions to
encourage equal representation.
“We
need 50 per cent involvement of women in politics and if it's not possible, it
can be negotiated because the 35 per cent Beijing declaration for women
participation in politics has not been achieved.
“I
think we have achieved about 28 per cent, that is still a long way to go and I
am seeing a world where women are included 50-50 in making decisions
worldwide,” the National President, ably represented said.
HAJIA RALIAT ABDULSALAM DELIVERS SPEECH
The
interim coordinator and National Vice President of the group, Hajia Raliat
Anako Abdulsalam in her speech revealed that in its founding year, EWIP could
proudly say that it had been able to help women win elective political offices,
encourage women and ensure that they get their PVCs and participate in the electioneering process. She stressed that women are emotional beings with
special intelligence and that they have the capacity to make a change in the
governance of Nigeria. She stated that women constitute the larger parts of the
population and therefore, they should have a say in how the society is being
governed.
“We
are the backbone of our homes, we control what happens in each home either
directly or indirectly, so we should be able to have a say in the governance of
our larger society, she noted.
WHY EWIP IS STANDING OUT
Speaking
further on why EWIP stands out among the several other women organizations,
Hajia Abdulsalam revealed that the association is very tolerant and has refused
to stay with the upper class alone. “We have members in the upper echelon as
well as the lower echelon of the society. We are not about class or education,
we understand that everyone is educated either formally in informally and we
know that every woman out there has something to contribute to the development
of society just as they have been contributing to the development of their
homes. This is why you always see crowds at our gatherings.
WHY
EWIP IS SO STRONG RIGHT NOW
Talking
about the strength of EWIP, Hajia Raliat revealed that the group has members in
all the 36 states of the federation as well as members in the Diaspora. EWIP
could be young but we are so strong right now. Take a look at the kind of crowd
we have here, that is how we have them in every state. EWIP is represented in
the north, south, east and west. We understand the power of numbers and we know
that women are more than men in the population of Nigeria, so we are making use
of that strength. We also have a strong online presence, people can join us via
WhatsApp, Facebook and Instagram and we are carrying everyone along so well. For
us to grow that fast within one year, it means we are doing it right".
WOMEN WENT HOME SMILING
One
of the most interesting parts of the party was the raffle draw where women won
different kinds of gifts for themselves and their homes. Virtually every woman
at the event went home with something. Some of them won bags of rice, lace
fabrics, Ankara fabrics, electric kettles, bags of Semolina, packs of soft
drinks and many more.
…AND THE KARAOKE DANCE
As
the night was falling, the party equally became hotter. Many women loosened up
for the karaoke dance and many of those present participated in the fun of the
night. The event was the first of its kind in the history of EWIP worldwide but
it was also a very memorable one for those in attendance.
ROLL
CALL
Present
at the event was Hajia Fatima Bello, EWIP National President, Hajia Raliat
Anako Abdulsalam, EWIP V.P and interim coordinator, Lagos, Hajia Montai
Elemosho, Yeye Basorun Aderonke Osuntokun, Dr Azeezat Ishaq, Lady Kemi Alakija,
Princess Folashade Olabanji-Oba, Ikorodu Local Government Vice-Chairman, Mrs
Adebimpe Banjo, Mrs Prudence Abass, Mrs Hannah Rotimi Jumoke, Yeye Folasade
Adesina, Abosede Olasunmbo, Aderonke Adegboyega, Funke Fajuke, Chief Mrs
Olayinka Olaiya, Ruth Daniel among several others.
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