By Mohammed Bello Doka
Empowering the Next Generation of Female Leaders
In a groundbreaking initiative, the All Progressives Congress (APC) is set to launch "Project 774 Explode," a program dedicated to enhancing gender space in politics and fostering the involvement of young women across Nigeria. Spearheaded by the office of the National Women Leader, Dr. Mrs. Mary Idele Alile, this project aims to address the significant under-representation of women in political spheres by providing comprehensive leadership training and mentorship opportunities.
Launching Today in Benue
Project 774 Explode is set to be launched today in Benue State, under the sponsorship of the State Governor, Rev. Father Hyacinth Alia. This launch marks a significant milestone in the initiative’s journey towards empowering young women and promoting gender equality in politics. Governor Alia’s support underscores the importance of state-level involvement in national gender empowerment initiatives.
Amplifying Female Voices in Politics
Project 774 Explode seeks to tackle the gender imbalance in Nigerian politics head-on. With women currently holding only 5% of positions of power in the country, this initiative is both timely and crucial. The program aims to increase young women's participation in politics, promoting gender equality and inclusivity in decision-making processes.
At the recently concluded 68th Session of the Commission for the Status of Women (CSW) in New York, USA, research conducted by Cooperative for Assistance and Relief Everywhere (CARE) International highlighted the continuous under-representation of women in power. This alarming statistic underscores the importance of initiatives like Project 774 Explode in bridging the gender gap in Nigerian politics.
Comprehensive Training and Mentorship
Recognizing the pivotal role of education and training, the APC has partnered with various universities and other developmental partners to offer leadership training certificates and diplomas. These programs will equip young women with essential skills such as effective communication, critical thinking, and strategic decision-making, all crucial for navigating the complex political landscape.
The leadership training provided through Project 774 Explode is designed to empower young women with the knowledge and skills needed to excel in politics. Participants will benefit from a range of opportunities, including skills-building workshops, networking events, and mentorship sessions with experienced female leaders such as deputy governors, senators, and honorable members.
Mentorship is a cornerstone of this initiative, with successful women leaders assigned to guide and inspire the next generation. This relationship will provide young women with valuable insights, support, and encouragement, helping them to build confidence and resilience as they embark on their political journeys.
Methodology and Selection Criteria
The project will select one young female participant from each of Nigeria's 774 local government areas. To be eligible, participants must be between the ages of 18 and 35 and have attained a minimum qualification of a National Diploma (ND) or Nigeria Certificate in Education (NCE) or an equivalent certificate. This inclusive approach ensures that young women from diverse backgrounds and regions are given the opportunity to benefit from the program.
Justification and Impact
Project 774 Explode is designed to identify and train at least one young female leader in each local government area across Nigeria. By highlighting the political relevance and challenges faced by young women, the project aims to chart a way forward for their effective participation in the political space through knowledge, skills, and empowerment.
The initiative also seeks to fulfill the government's 35% affirmative action goal, promoting a more diverse and representative political landscape. By targeting young women early in their careers, Project 774 Explode hopes to ease their recruitment into positions of power, thereby strengthening Nigeria's democracy and promoting more inclusive representation.
Benefits of Project 774 Explode
The benefits of this ambitious project are manifold:
1. **Capacity Building:** The program will build the capacity of young women across Nigeria for effective political participation.
2. **Inclusiveness:** It will promote the inclusion of young women in the benefits accruing from good governance.
3. **Unity and Cooperation:** The initiative will foster unity and cooperation among young women nationwide.
4. **Active Participation:** By encouraging active participation, the project aims to renew the hope of young women in politics.
5. **Renewed Hope Agenda:** The project aligns with the Renewed Hope Agenda of the APC and President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, GCFR, promoting the party's vision for a more equitable and inclusive political environment.
Project 774 Explode represents a significant step towards gender equality in Nigerian politics. By investing in the leadership development of young women, the APC is not only addressing the current under-representation but also paving the way for a future where women play an integral role in shaping the nation's political landscape. This initiative promises to create a generation of confident, capable, and empowered female leaders, ready to inspire and lead others to make a lasting difference in their communities and beyond. As the project launches today in Benue, under the auspices of Governor Rev. Father Hyacinth Alia, it marks the beginning of a transformative journey for young women across Nigeria.
Tags
News