The presidential candidate of the National Rescue Movement (NRM), Esther Nkem, has declared that women are capable of governing Nigeria, calling for greater inclusion of women in political leadership.
Nkem made the statement in Abuja on Monday during the signing of the party’s Sexual Exploitation, Abuse and Harassment (SEAH) policy, organised in collaboration with the Nigerian Women Trust Fund and Heinrich Böll Stiftung.
She criticised the perception that women cannot lead the country, saying more women should be encouraged to contest elective positions rather than being limited to campaigning and voting for male candidates.
The NRM candidate described her emergence as the party’s presidential flag bearer as a positive development in her political career, adding that the party’s support for women’s participation had strengthened her confidence.
Meanwhile, the Programme Officer of the Nigerian Women Trust Fund, Malliya Manu, said the policy was designed to provide a safe environment for women in politics and establish channels for reporting sexual harassment and exploitation within the party.
The National Chairman of the NRM, Prince Chinedu Obi, said the party adopted the policy to promote inclusion and good governance. He disclosed that women occupied various leadership positions within the party, including four female state chairpersons and the national organising secretary.
Obi added that sexual harassment remained one of the major factors discouraging women from participating in politics, stressing the need for safeguards to protect them and ensure equal opportunities within political parties.
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