From Abubakar Rabilu, Gombe
Women’s groups in Gombe State have mobilised traditional, religious and community leaders to secure political commitments from aspirants ahead of the 2027 general elections.
Under the Gombe Women Agenda, the groups said they would present a common set of demands to governorship and other key political aspirants, focusing on issues affecting women and the girl-child.
The agenda contains about 20 recommendations covering education, maternal health, economic empowerment and women’s political participation.
Speaking at a stakeholders’ engagement on the initiative, one of the organisers, Ibrahim Yusuf, said the platform was created to unite more than 100 women’s organisations and give them a stronger voice in engaging political actors.
He said the involvement of traditional and religious leaders was crucial because of their influence in communities.
“We cannot do it alone. We need the buy-in of critical stakeholders, particularly religious and traditional leaders,” Yusuf said.
The Secretary of the Gombe Women Agenda, Mrs Ruth Abner, said the initiative was aimed at ensuring women were heard and included in decision-making.
She said the group would embark on grassroots advocacy to encourage women to participate actively in elections and resist inducements that could undermine their choices.
Abner said the group was not demanding that only women should occupy political offices, but wanted politicians who would listen to women and address their concerns.
“We are not insisting that women must be on the ballot. If we can get a man who will listen to us and solve the problem, we have no problem,” she said.
The organisers said the agenda would be formally launched and presented to political aspirants within the next few weeks.