How INEC Promotes Women’s Welfare, Electoral Inclusion, by Ajayi

By Dominic James

Saturday 9^th March 2024

The Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) has taken some strategic actions to demonstrate its commitment to the electoral inclusion of women, National Commissioner and Chairman, Outreach and Partnership Committee (OPC), Prof Kunle Ajayi has said.

Such steps, according to him, include the establishment of the Gender and Inclusivity Department within the Commission to encourage multi-stakeholder approaches towards promoting inclusivity issues, which is being headed by a female Director and with women constituting about 70 percent of its staff.

Ajayi, who spoke at a special event held at the Commission’s headquarters, Abuja on 8^th March 2024 to commemorate the International Women’s Day, also mentioned the launching of the revised INEC Gender Policy (IGP) “which seeks to respond to the emerging dynamics and demands of the present society, and to strengthen the institutional capacity of the Commission as a gender-sensitive government agency, that is responsive in its policies, practices and relationship with stakeholders, including political parties to mainstream gender equity in their operations and public space”.

Other measures include the adoption of 35 percent Affirmative Action by the Commission; consistent organisation of trainings for Gender Desk officers; and partnerships/series of engagements with gender-focused organisations.

Prof. Ajayi said: “The International Women’s Day not only marks the pursuit of Gender Equality and Women’s Empowerment (GEWE) at the continental and global levels, it also celebrates the achievements, impacts and successes of women at every level. Especially, our very own Electoral Management doyens here present in this hall today, and all those who have honorably served the Commission in the past.

“Hence, today’s program with the theme “Celebrating Women in Election Management; Public Service, Knowledge and Mentorship” is apt, as it is another opportunity to appeal to the present administration to favorably consider women in its appointment into various public service positions and to also, adhere to the National Gender Policy’s 35% affirmative action on women appointments.

“The Commission is aware of the dismal under-representation in active politics and appointed positions of women, both at national and grass root levels. This has been an issue of great concern to the Commission, despite series of targeted interventions to ensure equal participation and representation in the electoral process.  To this end, INEC on its part, as an electoral umpire, under the able and women-friendly leadership of the Honourable Chairman, Professor Mahmood Yakubu, is unrelenting in its commitment to electoral inclusion of women.”

Prof. Ajayi said the Commission was open to actionable recommendations from staff members just as it would welcome more productive collaborations and engagements with other development partners.