The Kimpact Development Initiative (KDI) and the secretariat of the Supporting Advancement of Gender Equality (SAGE) project has commended the leadership of the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) for the creation of the Department of Gender and Inclusivity.
In a statement signed by its executive director, Bukola Idowu, KDI noted that the creation of the Department of Gender and Inclusivity (GID) shows the commitment of INEC to the advancement of gender equality and mainstreaming.
It added that it also shows the disposition of the Commission to gender equality and its readiness to proffer solutions to the challenges women face in the course of the electoral process in Nigeria.
The group added that creating a department dedicated to gender and inclusivity is a welcome idea as women have long been on the receiving end of marginalization due to the patriarchal nature of the society.
It also noted that the high rate of electoral violence before, during, and after elections has further created a new form of marginalization for the female gender and persons with disabilities, adding that violence against women during elections is one of the most significant reasons why the female gender stay away from polls, resulting in low women’s political representation.
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