The event observed a minute of silence to honour the late Prof Bene Edwin Madunagu, a trailblazer in women’s advocacy.
By Archibong Jeremiah
As part of activities marking the 16 Days of Activism Against Gender-Based Violence in Cross River State, a town hall meeting themed “Amplifying Women’s Representation in Politics with a Special Focus on the Special Seat Bill” was held in Calabar. The event brought together policymakers, activists, and community leaders to address the systemic exclusion of women from political representation and strategize on reversing the trend.
Mrs Edema Irom, Cross River State’s Commissioner for Women Affairs, labelled the political marginalization of women as “political violence.”
She pledged the government’s unwavering commitment to amplifying women’s voices and ensuring their inclusion in decision-making processes. “We will not stop advocating until women occupy their rightful place in leadership,” she said.
Renowned human rights advocate and keynote speaker, Barrister James Ibor, challenged attendees to confront entrenched patriarchy. “Men are the primary oppressors of women, so they are better positioned to discuss their liberation,” he noted.
He urged women to take proactive steps toward reclaiming power, asserting that “power is never given; it is taken. We robbed women and suppressed them through policies and programs deliberately designed to do so. Women participating in politics is a right, not a gift.”
Honourable Hillary Bisong, the member representing Boki 2 constituency in the House of Assembly pledged to support the course to ensure women are politically emancipated. He maintained that the issue of women’s political participation is not up for debate because there won’t be equity and fairness in such.
Earlier, the Chairwoman of the International Federation of Women Lawyers (FIDA) in Cross River State, Mrs Ann Alorye Awah delivered a rallying call for change. “We can do it! Let’s begin to vote for women—we deserve it. In FIDA, once you’re qualified, we support you,” she declared, emphasising the need for solidarity among women to shatter political barriers.
The event observed a minute of silence to honour the late Prof Bene Edwin Madunagu, a trailblazer in women’s advocacy. Her contributions were celebrated as an inspiration for continued activism.
Discussions also highlighted the need for a cultural shift in raising girls. Speakers emphasized the importance of preparing young women to be responsible citizens and leaders rather than defining their worth through marriage. “Let’s raise our girls to aspire to greatness,” a participant urged.
The meeting culminated in a consensus to intensify advocacy for the passage of the Special Seat Bill, which aims to secure reserved seats for women in the legislature. Participants called for sustained collaboration between government agencies, civil society, and grassroots organizations to dismantle barriers to women’s political participation.