In collaboration with the European Union, Agents for Citizen Driven Transformation and the British Council, the Institute for Media and Society (IMS) organized a sensitization programme for the stakeholders in Alimosho Local Government Area.
The programme tagged: “Sensitization Meeting On Promotion of Gender Mainstreaming/ Values For Community Development Through The Media” took place on Wednesday 7th December, 2022.
Amongst other stakeholders who graciously attended the programme were the Community Leaders, Opinion Molders, Careers Officers from Alimosho Local Government and the gentlemen of the press.
The Executive Director of the IMS, Dr. Akin Akingbulu welcomed the participants. He then set the tone of the meeting with a comment that “women are mostly visible during electioneering campaign, but they are usually sidelined when appointments are made.” He therefore charged the meeting to find out the reason behind this, and as well proffer solutions that will put an end to the ugly trend.
A thorough review of Adopted Women Action Plans for Alimosho and Mushin Local Government Areas was done by Tope Olatidoye, a representative of the IMS.
The Interactive Session on Barriers and Approaches to Effective Implementation of Identified Citizen Driven Responses to Participation of Vulnerable Groups (Women, Youths and Persons with Disabilities) in the Electoral Process and Decision Making for Community Development was anchored by Dr. Ismail Olawale.
During the session, the meeting noted that:
- Government usually commission agencies or research bodies to assess the impact of its programmes on the society but it is unfortunate that the voice of the people is usually not loud enough in the reports submitted to the government.
- The influence of godfathers on the decision makers cannot be underestimated but methods can still be devised to tackle godfatherism.
- Number of erring youths in our society today are on the increase because they are dissatisfied with what is going on around them. Therefore, there is an urgent need to organize programmes that will redirect the youths.
- Women also need to form a reliable group that will effectively negotiate with politicians.
Mrs. Funmi Falobi handled another interactive session on ‘The Use of the Media to Amplify Local Voices on Issues of Vulnerable Groups Participation in the Electoral Process and Decision Making for Community Development.
During the session;
- The need for women to speak out and talk to the press instead of keeping mute was emphasized.
- Rather than messing around while looking for favour from the people in authority, women were advised to get themselves empowered educationally.
- Women were also advised to work together as a team and stop being enemies of themselves.
It was also noted during the session, that the media can help promote women participation in political development:
- By re-echoing women agenda for the government to be aware;
- By writing to discourage night political meetings, so that women will be able to participate actively.
- And by engaging the lawmakers on the need to give more opportunities to women in the nation building exercise.
°Samuel Olugbenro, reporting for FirstNigeriaTV.
