Nasarawa’s Only Female Legislator Partners NAWOJ to Boost Women’s Political Participation
Dr. Hajarat Danyaro Ibrahim calls for intensified awareness as women remain underrepresented in elective positions
By Suleiman Abubakar Rimi Uku Lafia
The only female member of the Nasarawa State House of Assembly, Hon. Dr. Hajarat Danyaro Ibrahim, representing Nasarawa Central Constituency, has pledged to collaborate with the National Association of Women Journalists (NAWOJ) to strengthen advocacy and sensitization for greater participation of women in politics.
Dr. Danyaro made the pledge on Wednesday while receiving the leadership of NAWOJ, Nasarawa State Chapter, in her office in Lafia, the state capital.
The meeting provided an opportunity for both parties to deliberate on a range of issues affecting women in society, with particular emphasis on the need to encourage more women to actively participate in politics and seek elective positions.
The lawmaker stressed that NAWOJ must intensify its sensitization campaigns to mobilize women across the state to participate fully in political activities and leadership.
According to her, the visit was timely as it formed part of activities marking the International Women’s Day celebration, noting that more awareness was needed to address the low level of women’s political participation.
Dr. Danyaro, who also serves as Chairman of the House Committee on Women Affairs, lamented that despite women’s significant contributions to society and their numerical strength during elections, their representation in elective offices remains minimal.
She commended NAWOJ for its continuous support and advocacy, recalling the association’s role during her electioneering campaign.
“NAWOJ has been a great association that I have been working with since I became a legislator,” she said.
“I know the significant roles played by this association during my campaign and the election. My news always scaled through even when there was limited space at the Nasarawa Broadcasting Service (NBS). Because you stood by me, I will always support your advocacy, especially on women’s participation in politics.”
Earlier, the Chairperson of NAWOJ in Nasarawa State, Miss Marcy Tanze, commended the lawmaker for her courage and commitment to promoting women’s participation in governance.
She noted that the association was ready to collaborate with the lawmaker to sensitize women on the need to contest elective positions and take up leadership roles.
“We want to appreciate you and collaborate with your office to sensitize women on how to participate in elective positions and also interface with the new executive members of the association,” Tanze said.
She further observed that although women constitute nearly 70 percent of voters during elections, their representation in elective positions remains disproportionately low.
“We will collaborate with your office to change the narrative,” she added.
The visit also served as an avenue for NAWOJ’s new leadership to strengthen ties with the lawmaker in advancing gender equality and women empowerment in Nasarawa State.
