Experts in civic engagement and public management have the charge both traditional and online media on positive projection of women for empowerment and inclusion.
In same vein, they acknowledge that though women should take control and monster the courage to get a seat on the table of power, men remain invaluable allies to achieve such feat.
This position was echoed during panel discussion at International Conference Centre, ICC, Abuja at an event organized to celebrate International Women Month organized by Mandela Washington Fellowship Alumni Association of Nigeria, MWFAAN, on Saturday.
The event themed “Count Her In: Inspiring Inclusion and Empowerment” featured panel discussion between experts in public management and civic engagement.
A session moderated by Funke Adeoye with Zainab Bashir Ya’u, Amina Abubakar and Shuda Ahmed as discussants deliberated on ‘Civic Engagement, Challenges for Inclusion’.
“Can women representation change things? Yes and they will, we are taking baby steps and we shall eventually get their but low level education among women, male domination, discrimination against woman in conjunction with other things remain challenges that must be overcomed,” they lamented.
They concluded that adaptive solutions is required and so, men involvement is immeasurable, education of girl child and women must take centre stage, partnerships and collaboration between private sector and government institutions is pivotal, putting up systems and structures that will out leave us and consistency “are things we must do or have to see progress, overcome challenges and ensure women inclusion”.
Another session which delved on public management saw Zagwa Tagwai as moderator, Maryam Abdulmumin, and Sadiq Wanka as panelist.
They called for women advancement in political participation and public management, education beyond four corners of a classroom with basic skill of reading and writing taking preferences, and open mindedness as key tool to empower more women.
Continuous capacity building, preparedness for opportunities, political party system participation, positive media projection, knowledge of gender policies that affect women and how to leverage them are requisite identified for women’s public engagement, inclusion and empowerment.
MWFAAN at the end of the event awarded women making difference within their respective capacities. They include Funke Adeoye, Trailblazer award, Hellen Beyioku Alasa, inclusive leadership award, Rabeeha Bello, visionary entrepreneurship award.
Others are Samira Modibbo, community catalyst award, Nice Abuzi, young rising leader award, Fatima Madaki, career achievement award, and Farida Yahaya, outstanding leadership award.