Following the inauguration of the Ministerial nominees, CEO, Women Radio 91.7, Toun Okewale-Sonaiya has called on all the newly inaugurated cabinet members to approach all national issues with a gender sensitive perspective.
Sonaiya in a press statement requested for a deliberate effort by the cabinet members to be gender sensitive in formulation and implementation of policies across the country.
Sonaiya who said “it might be a bit difficult to achieve this because of the low representation of women in the cabinet, but a conscious and deliberate effort to be gender sensitive would mean this administration has the interest of women at heart.
She thereafter urged President Muhammadu Buhari to fulfill his promise by assenting to the 35% Affirmative action for women which she believes would promote women’s participation at all levels of governance.
Sonaiya used the opportunity to commend Lagos State Governor, Babajide Sanwoolu for appointing 32% females to serve in his cabinet.
According to Sonaiya, “Lagos state has shown a genuine political will that is deliberate and intentional. This is worthy of commendation. Though 35% was not achieved, Okewale Sonaiya said 32% is a significant positive political will for progress, inclusion and fair gender balancing.
“Good governance means an inclusive government and the appointment of 32% females indicates that Lagos State through its party leadership understands that good governance through inclusiveness, fair representation leads to progress and that women matter.
“Any government that is not inclusive is bound to be challenged in achieving major successes. A government that shuts its doors to gender-sensitivity is setting itself backwards and cannot progress.”
Sonaiya urged other states that agre yet to appoint commissioners and boards of agencies and parastatals to emulate the Lagos State approach.
Okewale Sonaiya said the decision making process of Lagos state should be commended and urges Governor Sanwoolu and the party leadership not to relent in their efforts and achieve 35% females in the appointment of Chairs of parastatals/agencies and board members.