KMC, NDI and WIPF seek collaboration on capacity building for women

A leading Pro-democracy group, Kwara Must Change has been approached for collaboration on capacity building for women by National Democratic Institute (NDI) and Women in Politics Forum (WIPF).

The National Democratic Institute (NDI) is an International NGO with presence in more than 40 countries around the world, Women in Politics Forum (WIPF) is a Nigerian based forum advocating for women participation in politics and Kwara Must Change is a leading Pro-democracy group in Kwara State, both of whom have a shared vision and seeking collaboration on capacity building to boost and advance women’s political participation in Nigeria.

Speaking during a courtesy visit by the NDI, and WIPF team to the Kwara Must Change group, in Ilorin the capital city of Kwara State, the three bodies noted that the collaboration had strategic importance for women to participate, compete and lead as equal and active partners in democratic change.

The executive chairperson of the Women in Politics Forum (WIPF) who led the team from Abuja, Barr Ekwendu Ebere noted that the organization was committed to partnering with actors and non-actors who shared a similar vision and mission with the body in the view of translating into women political participation to reality in every States.

She said the forum is to strengthen women’s representation in public office in Nigeria and it was launched in 2016, in partnership with the National Democratic Institute, NDI.

Also speaking at the meeting, The program manager, National Democratic Institute (NDI), Ms. Annabel said that NDI has conducted activities to support state-based legislators to become more effective and serve as powerful role models for other women.

Receiving the delegation, Kwara Must Change led by its convener, Abdulrazaq Hamzat commended the NDI, and WIPF for their impactful work across the country in ensuring women’s active participation in politics.

He also thank the team for seeking to meet with Kwara Must Change.

Hamzat, who did a brief introduction of Kwara Must Change’s activities in the State noted that the group has been a frontline actor for gender equality and inclusive and responsive governance.

Giving insight into the activities of the group, Hamzat said the KMC took initiative to put spotlight on women ahead of the inauguration of the current administration to put women issues at the centre of decision making.

This, the KMC did, by hosting the first women summit in the state to appreciate women who participated in the 2019 election, Hamzat said.

Hamzat also added that, KMC is part of those who pushed the gender composition bill in the state which was sponsored by the executive. He mentioned other initiatives of Kwara Must Change, including the Legislative Watch.

The NDI, and WIPF delegation who were overwhelmed with the strategic activities of KMC, however, seek to collaborate with the group. They expressed willingness to collaborate with the group in their subsequent activities, especially at the national level.