Good Governance

Nigeria: Women Stress Importance of Democracy, Good Governance

Vanguard (Lagos)

1 July 2008
Posted to the web 1 July 2008

Emmanuel Aziken

West African Women Associations have expressed the importance of democracy, good governance and food security in actualizing regional goals of integration and development.

The groups in a communiqué released at the end of a two day meeting in Abuja also called on women groups in the sub-region to close ranks towards attaining the visibility of women in the sub-region's integration process.

The regional workshop was organized by the WAWA Senegal and the Nigerian Chapter, with support from the African Capacity Building Foundation (ACBF), ECOWAS and the Nigerian Government.

The communiqué read thus:

Key issues raised were democracy, good governance, food, crisis, peace and security for all those is expected to play strategic roles.

The Workshop emphasised that Women must close rank to forge social and economic ties, in order to realize the visibility of women in the African integration process.

That WAWAR/AFAO should remain a Civil Society organization fighting for and protecting the rights of women, as well as act as a liaison between ECOWAS gender point, women organizations and the government.

That focal points of the National chapter should emulate the example of AFAO Senegal, and organize the states and local branches to the benefit of all.

In view of the need for identification, that interested organizations in the field be more functional at regional and national levels as part of AFAO/WAWAR to access the benefits there for their members.

That WAWAR can enter into partnerships with organizations that will assist it build the Capacity of women drawing close collaboration at regional level to local levels, as agents of change for beneficiaries. WAWA/WASCOF should work together.

That WAWAR should engage in advocacy with government agencies to end conflicts, engender peace, stop trafficking in persons, fight HIV/AIDS, drug trade and addiction, and encourage the integration of women in politics and business.

Awareness should be constantly created on AFAO/WAWAR activities and hold partner meetings regularly as fresh hope for women empowerment.

WAWAR/AFAO should develop monitoring and evaluation mechanisms at all levels to enhance compliance with Policies and Projects.

That Dakar, Senegal, should remain the headquarters of WAWAR/AFAO, while efforts should be made to liaise with ECOWAS Secretariat, Abuja, Lagos, Nigeria, for an office for the Nigerian Chapter with a back-up Staff.