Right from the inception of the Godwin Obaseki’s administration of Edo State in 2016, the Governor has remained resolute in doing things according to laid down rules of governance, and in line with international laws and conventions domesticated by Nigeria. One of such international policy framework document is the sustainable development goals (SDGs) put together by the United Nations, in which goal number five (5) is aimed at achieving gender equality and empowering all women and girls around the world.
The United Nations Development Programme Report (UNDP 2020) believes that “ending all discrimination against women and girls is not only a basic human right, it’s crucial for sustainable future; it’s proven that empowering women and girls helps economic growth and development.’’ And Governor Godwin Obaseki has responded to the Sustainable Development Goal number 5, by articulating vital policies and programmes that aims to reduce gender inequalities in the political and socio economic lives of Edo women.
This is done by ensuring women’s full and effective participation and equal opportunities for leadership at all levels of decision making in economic, political and public life in the State. This is because in times past, Edo women were an underrated and negligible force. They were only remembered during the period of electioneering activities by male dominated political parties, and after such political fanfare were over; the wide margin of gender inequality faced by women further worsened within the male dominated political climate, thus leading to a higher level of economic and political feebleness experienced by women which in turn retarded the development of the State in previous eras.
But with the emergence of Godwin Obaseki’s administration, the narrative and description of women is constantly evolving positively in all spheres. This is because the Governor has been changing those structures which promoted gender inequalities in the State in times past.
The Governor believes that in order to close the gap of gender inequality, it is pertinent to know the issues affecting women, and tackling such issues requires a strong partnership between the male folks and the women in the society. Such partnership is gradually paying off as is being observed in the way the Governor runs a gender sensitive administration. He has always been an advocate of gender equality as a way to foster growth and development of the State. He views Edo women as vibrant force behind his administration successes, especially in the areas of tackling human trafficking, illegal administration, improvement in healthcare and education and so on.
This is evident because the Governor continues to give women appointive positions in the State and these positions are spread across the 18 Local Government Areas. This is in line with his campaign promise of ensuring 35% inclusiveness of women in his administration.
The Governor has also created avenues for the empowerment of Edo women at Edo innovation hub, Edo State skills development agency and Edo Jobs. This is because only empowered and skilful individuals can seek political position and lead others. The State Government has also enacted adequate legislation aimed at protecting the lives of women and girls in the society an example is the Violence against persons prohibition law (VAP).
In March 2020, Mr Governor approved the appointment of 40 senior special assistants and special assistants on gender issues. This is in keeping with his campaign mantra of ensuring 35% affirmative action for women and so far so good, since the inception of the Godwin Obaseki’s administration, over 400 women have been appointed into various agencies and offices of Government as Commissioners, Permanent Secretaries, Head of Departments, Special Assistants and so on.
In his remark to commemorate the international women’s day held March 8, every year he stated that “as the world celebrates the international women’s day, it is important to stress the contribution of women to national development. But at the same time it is an opportunity to call for inclusive policies and open space to address issues of gender parity.’’
Also, at the Alaghodaro women summit the Governor reaffirmed his strong disposition to creating more avenues for women to find self expression in his Government and in the State. The Governor remains confident about the positive impact the SDG would have by 2030 in relation to gender equality and women’s socio, economic and political empowerment in Edo State.
This piece was written by: Arthur Kriste Mbonu,
Research Documentation and Communication Officer SOTHAWACA
