AS the governorship and state House of Assembly elections draw nearer, the Nigerian Association of Women Journalists (NAWOJ) yesterday called on women and indeed all Nigerians to support and vote for female candidates in the election.

In a statement issued and signed by its National President, Ifeyinwa Omowole and National Secretary, Ladi Patrick, the group said: “As a women group, NAWOJ acknowledges that the Nigerian woman has all it requires to contribute to the political and socio-economic development of Nigeria.

“It is now a common knowledge that for development of any kind to be successful, a vantage position should be accorded the women, as they constitute larger proportion of the population.
Although many more women are becoming very active in politics as a result of a reawakening, they however suffer discrimination and lack of confidence sometimes even from their fellow women.

“It is on this note that the Nigerian Association of Women Journalists (NAWOJ) calls on women and indeed all Nigerians to repose confidence in the women, support and vote for women in the forthcoming governorship and House of Assembly elections billed for April 11.”

The statement further said: “The association also calls on every Nigerian woman who has interests in politics not to hesitate but to join any political party of their choice and be actively involved.

“The best way a woman can be recognised in a political party and in politics is when she gets involved in politics and participates actively; politics is not the exclusive preservation of men.

“Therefore, NAWOJ urges men with the chauvinistic idea that the woman has no business in politics to reflect on the contributions of women all over the world to the development of their countries and give women the desired support.

“Husbands too should allow their wives to get involved in politics; politics does not erode the responsibility of the woman to her husband and to her home..”

“It is our hope that the incoming administration of Gen. Muhammadu Buhari will give as much recognition to women while appointing his ministers and other appointees.

“In fact, as the nation’s democracy is advancing, NAWOJ hopes to see even more women ministers and advisers in the team of the President-elect.

“Finally, NAWOJ calls on women journalists and other women groups to support fellow women who are in politics. If you vote in a woman, you would have voted in a mother that truly cares”, it concluded.