By Abdullahi Alhassan, Kaduna
The Southern Kaduna Trailblazing Women Association (SOKATWA) has declared its support for female aspirants seeking elective positions ahead of the 2027 general elections, regardless of their political affiliations.
The association said the initiative is aimed at encouraging greater participation of women in governance and addressing the persistent underrepresentation of women in politics, particularly in Northern Nigeria.
Speaking during the association’s quarterly strategic meeting held in Southern Kaduna, the President of SOKATWA, Mrs. Belinda Augustine Istifanus, said women have continued to demonstrate strong leadership capacity in community development, peacebuilding, and public service, despite facing numerous barriers within the political space.
She called on political parties, traditional rulers, religious leaders, and other stakeholders to support women’s participation in politics by creating an enabling environment for them to contest elective offices.
According to her, political parties should demonstrate stronger commitment to gender inclusion by providing women with more opportunities within party structures and elective positions.
Mrs. Istifanus also urged women across Southern Kaduna to register and obtain their Permanent Voter Cards (PVCs), stressing that active voter participation remains essential to strengthening democracy and promoting inclusive governance.
The association assured female aspirants of its support through advocacy, sensitisation, and community mobilisation ahead of the elections.
SOKATWA also recognised several women who have indicated interest in contesting elective positions in Kaduna State and beyond ahead of the 2027 polls.
Among those recognised are Hon. Munira Suleiman Tanimu for Lere East State Constituency, Mercy Aaron Kolo for Kaura Federal Constituency, Fauziyya Isa Hassan for Kaduna North Federal Constituency, Grace Ndi Bamaiyi for Zango State Constituency, Patience Luka for Zonkwa State Constituency, and Joyce Viyanto Antoza II Ibrahim for Jema’a/Sanga Federal Constituency.
Others include Maryam Baba for Kaduna South Federal Constituency, Amanda Tanko Usman for Kachia State Constituency, Blessing David for Chikun State Constituency, Nita Byack George for Zango/Jaba Federal Constituency, Hawwa A. Gambo for Chikun/Kajuru Federal Constituency, and Tabitha Timothy for Kauru Federal Constituency.
The association noted that increased participation of women in governance would strengthen democracy, promote inclusive leadership, and contribute to sustainable development across Southern Kaduna and the country at large.