The Acting National Chairman of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), Amb. Umar Damagum, recently expressed his hope to witness a woman become Nigeria’s President in his lifetime. This sentiment was shared during a Public Lecture organized by the National Woman Leader of the party, Amina Divine Arong, as part of the 2024 International Women’s Day celebrations in Abuja.
Represented by the party’s National Secretary, Sen. Samuel Anyanwu, Damagum emphasized the crucial role of women in society, highlighting their historical significance in resolving conflicts and promoting peace. He acknowledged the failures of men in the current generation and called for greater opportunities for women in leadership positions.
Damagum stated, “I will like to see that one day a woman will become the president of this country…the importance of women cannot be overemphasized.” He commended the PDP for its commitment to gender equality and providing women with opportunities to aspire to leadership roles without financial barriers.
The National Woman Leader, Amina Divine Arong, echoed the importance of empowering women in leadership positions for the development of Nigerian society. Quoting Michele Bachelet, she emphasized the need for women not only to have the right to vote and elect but also to be elected. Arong highlighted the under-representation of women in leadership roles globally and stressed the positive impact of women in decision-making positions.
According to data from the United Nations, only a small percentage of countries have women serving as Heads of State or Government, indicating a need for greater gender diversity in leadership. Arong emphasized the benefits of having women in leadership roles, citing their ability to drive positive change and promote gender equality.
As the world celebrates International Women’s Day, the call for increased representation of women in politics and other sectors remains crucial. The recognition of women as powerful agents of change and the promotion of gender equality are essential for achieving sustainable development goals and advancing societal progress.
