The participation of women in politics in the last few months has experienced a quantum leap and this is because a non-governmental organisation, Evolving Women In Politics, (EWIP) took it upon itself to see to it. On Thursday, December 30, 2021, the EWIP Lagos chapter, headed by the interim coordinator, Chief Dr Mrs Raliat Anako Abdulsalam held its first end-of-the-year party in Lagos.
Women of timber and calibre from all walks of life with the same political interest as well as the regular women on the streets stormed the Adeniyi Jones venue for an evening of brainstorming as well as relaxation and entertainment to round off a seemingly successful and eventful year in style.
City People’s Brands Editor, DAMILARE SALAMI 08155134152 alongside Photojournalist, ABDUL RASHEED SANNI covered the event and below are excerpts.
VETERAN ACTOR, MADAM KOFO, MADAM TAIWO ANCHOR EVENT
It was a blend of the oldies and the new generation and their combination catered to the needs of the two generations that were ably represented at the event. Madam Kofo brought the old memories and took the women back to the good old days while she also reminded them of the fact that women have been very pivotal in the development and the preservation of Nigeria’s democracy, citing the Aba women riot of 1923 as well as the contributions of the likes of the late Funmilayo Ransome Kuti and Alhaja Simbiat Abiola. The 2 comperes made the event fun for their guests.
ABOUT EWIP
Evolving Women In Progress (EWIP) Abuja branch, a non-governmental organisation that seeks to mitigate violence against women during elections and encourage the participation of women in politics in the country.
EWIP is not just politically oriented; it is also a social gathering that caters to the needs of women across all ages, religions and tribes. Since its inception in about a year ago, EWIP has conducted medical outreaches for women, paid school fees for young girls alongside many other philanthropic gestures.
EWIP is self-sponsored and has no government affiliations. Although it has been able to assist some politicians to win elections, it has continued to engage women so that they can be fully involved in the governance process. “We are gathered here to educate women to register, get their Permanent Voter Cards, vote and be voted for during elections to fill political offices in the country”.
“EWIP is a worldwide affair with a political undertone and our message is to also encourage women to go into politics and contest into elective positions to encourage equal representation.
“We need 50 per cent involvement of women in politics and if it’s not possible, it can be negotiated because the 35 per cent Beijing declaration for women participation in politics has not been achieved.
“I think we have achieved about 28 per cent, that is still a long way to go and I am seeing a world where women are included 50-50 in making decisions worldwide,” the National President, ably represented said.
HAJIA RALIAT ABDULSALAM DELIVERS SPEECH
The interim coordinator and National Vice President of the group, Hajia Raliat Anako Abdulsalam in her speech revealed that in its founding year, EWIP could proudly say that it had been able to help women win elective political offices, encourage women and ensure that they get their PVCs and participate in the electioneering process. She stressed that women are emotional beings with special intelligence and that they have the capacity to make a change in the governance of Nigeria. She stated that women constitute the larger parts of the population and therefore, they should have a say in how the society is being governed.
“We are the backbone of our homes, we control what happens in each home either directly or indirectly, so we should be able to have a say in the governance of our larger society, she noted.
WHY EWIP IS STANDING OUT
Speaking further on why EWIP stands out among the several other women organizations, Hajia Abdulsalam revealed that the association is very tolerant and has refused to stay with the upper class alone. “We have members in the upper echelon as well as the lower echelon of the society. We are not about class or education, we understand that everyone is educated either formally in informally and we know that every woman out there has something to contribute to the development of society just as they have been contributing to the development of their homes. This is why you always see crowds at our gatherings.
WHY EWIP IS SO STRONG RIGHT NOW
Talking about the strength of EWIP, Hajia Raliat revealed that the group has members in all the 36 states of the federation as well as members in the Diaspora. EWIP could be young but we are so strong right now. Take a look at the kind of crowd we have here, that is how we have them in every state. EWIP is represented in the north, south, east and west. We understand the power of numbers and we know that women are more than men in the population of Nigeria, so we are making use of that strength. We also have a strong online presence, people can join us via WhatsApp, Facebook and Instagram and we are carrying everyone along so well. For us to grow that fast within one year, it means we are doing it right”.
WOMEN WENT HOME SMILING
One of the most interesting parts of the party was the raffle draw where women won different kinds of gifts for themselves and their homes. Virtually every woman at the event went home with something. Some of them won bags of rice, lace fabrics, Ankara fabrics, electric kettles, bags of Semolina, packs of soft drinks and many more.
…AND THE KARAOKE DANCE
As the night was falling, the party equally became hotter. Many women loosened up for the karaoke dance and many of those present participated in the fun of the night. The event was the first of its kind in the history of EWIP worldwide but it was also a very memorable one for those in attendance.
ROLL CALL
Present at the event was Hajia Fatima Bello, EWIP National President, Hajia Raliat Anako Abdulsalam, EWIP V.P and interim coordinator, Lagos, Hajia Montai Elemosho, Yeye Basorun Aderonke Osuntokun, Dr Azeezat Ishaq, Lady Kemi Alakija, Princess Folashade Olabanji-Oba, Ikorodu Local Government Vice-Chairman, Mrs Adebimpe Banjo, Mrs Prudence Abass, Mrs Hannah Rotimi Jumoke, Yeye Folasade Adesina, Abosede Olasunmbo, Aderonke Adegboyega, Funke Fajuke, Chief Mrs Olayinka Olaiya, Ruth Daniel among several others.
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