The Women Initiative for Self-Actualization (WISA), a non-governmental organization committed to promoting women’s rights and gender equality, has renewed its call for greater participation of women in politics and leadership positions across Akwa Ibom State.
Speaking during a live interactive Programme on Radio Nigeria Atlantic FM Uyo the Programme Manager of WISA, Mr. Joshua Nya, described the organization as a non-profit body registered with the Corporate Affairs Commission and the Akwa Ibom State Ministry of Women Affairs.
He disclosed WISA was established in 2004 to advance the rights of women and girls, promote good governance, improve access to education and healthcare, and support other vulnerable groups in society.
According to him, the organization envisions a society free from poverty and inequality, where women and girls are empowered to contribute meaningfully to sustainable development.
Further speaking, he clarified that WISA’s activities solely about women also focus on increasing the participation of groups that have been underrepresented in political leadership and decision-making.
Mr Nys explained that WISA is currently implementing a project in Akwa Ibom State with support from the Urgent Action Fund Africa. The project aims to address structural barriers that have continued to hinder women’s participation in elective and appointive political positions across the state noting that the initiative targets women aged 18 years and above, who are constitutionally qualified to vote, contest elections, and actively participate in governance.
Highlighting the organization’s achievements, he said WISA partnered with Women United for Economic Empowerment between 2021 and 2024 under a United Nations Democracy Fund project to provide civic education across the 31 local government areas of Akwa Ibom State. She explained that the programme encouraged both men and women to participate actively in democratic processes and governance.
He maintained that WISA will continue working with stakeholders to promote inclusive governance and create opportunities for more women to occupy leadership positions in Akwa Ibom State and Nigeria as a whole.
Also speaking,a counsellor with the University of Uyo,Dr Mrs Udauk Akpan stressed the need for women to seek for elective and appiontive positions will soliciting peaceful environment during political activities.
She called on women to discard fear and encourage themselves even as she charged for support for women in politics.
