Dr Olayemi Oyebanji, wife of the Ekiti State Governor, has called for sustained engagement of women in politics to strengthen their participation in governance.
She made the call in Ado-Ekiti during a strategic meeting with civil society organisations (CSOs) themed “Collaboration for Enhancing Women’s Political Participation”.
Oyebanji said early political orientation and structured mentoring for women in tertiary institutions and at the grassroots would help institutionalise political participation as a culture.
She proposed measures to advance women’s inclusion, including increased representation at all levels of governance, establishment of a Women’s Caucus in the State House of Assembly, mentorship platforms and leadership capacity-building programmes.
According to her, women in the state possess the competence and resilience required for leadership but require institutional support and encouragement to fully participate in politics.
The governor’s wife commended Biodun Oyebanji for promoting inclusive governance through increased female appointments, urging stakeholders to complement government efforts with deliberate reforms.
She described CSOs as strategic partners due to their engagement with women at the grassroots, and called on them to intensify advocacy, collaborate on programmes and train women as election monitors.
In her remarks, Commissioner for Women Affairs, Peju Babafemi, emphasised the need to dismantle structural and cultural barriers limiting women’s access to leadership positions.
Other officials, including Secretary to the State Government Habibat Adubiaro, Head of Civil Service Folakemi Olomojobi and Deputy Speaker Bolaji Olagbaju, highlighted the importance of policy reforms, political education and institutional support to enhance women’s participation in governance.
