Ogun State Deputy Governor, Noimot Salako-Oyedele has charged women in governance to continue to push for legislative reforms that will break systematic barriers in a bid to gain gender parity in Nigeria.

Salako-Oyedele gave the charge in a keynote address at the APC Women Summit and Dialogue with the theme: Empowering the Next Generation of Female Leaders; Building Political Networks for Collective Success.

At the event held in Abuja, Salako-Oyedele said one of the greatest responsibilities for women in governance today is to empower the next generation of female leaders, adding that it had become imperative that the road leading to leadership is made smoother for them than it had been in their own time.

She said “Our Presence in politics today is not by accident, it is has a result of the tireless efforts of strong women who came before and who despite incredible challenges such as societal resistance, exclusion and often hostility pressed on for us to have the opportunity we have today”

She stressed that the struggle for gender-responsive policies must remain central to all advocacy as women leaders noting that representation mattered in that there must be power and a good platform in the drive to effect real change.

The Deputy Governor said men like them appreciate that women’s advancement was not a zero-sum game but rather for the entire society at large, their partnership in her words was a reminder that lifting women into leadership roles was a collaborative effort that could only ensure women get the opportunities they deserve.

She appreciated the leadership of APC Women by the First Lady of Nigeria, Oluremi Tinubu and the National Woman Leader, Dr Mary Idele Alile, for doing good work in bringing women’s voices to the forefront of the Party’s Agenda, saying it was an invaluable time to reflect, engage and strategize on ways to chart the appropriate course for women in leadership and politics in Nigeria.

In her remarks, the Wife of the President, Oluremi Tinubu admonished those present on the principles and qualities of good leadership, especially by women which include, integrity, hard work, and compassion asking them to rally around other women seeking elective positions, encourage them, and actively support them.

She advised that they avoid creating imaginary limitations and focus on their innate potential by persevering, supporting one another, and working diligently this she said will help shape the future of women in politics if done right, one woman at a time”.

Senator Oluremi Tinubu urged the National Woman Leader of the Party to join hands with other APC State Women Leaders to make a presentation to the National Assembly to further push for legislation to increase the quota of women that must have seats at the assembly.

Push for reforms that break gender barriers – Ogun DG