AMANI Advocates for Increased Women’s Participation in Governance, Marks 5 Years of Empowering Women
By Kabir Akintayo
The AMANI Women Cooperative Society (AWCS) has called for enhanced female representation in government as it celebrates its fifth anniversary in Abuja on Saturday.
This is coming as the group boasts of empowering over 100 women across various social development sectors.
Coordinator of the AWCS, Hadrat Omipidan in her opening remarks revealed that women have proven themselves over time to be more successful in all spheres of life.
She said, “I am advocating for an increase in women participation in governance at all levels, so as to enhance Nigeria’s rapid development. I am convinced that when women are empowered politically, the entire nation and our generation would have been empowered.
“Nigerian women have done well in virtually all spheres of life and proving themselves in vocations that were initially reserved for men like automobile mechanic, commercial driving, and shoe making among others”, Omipidan said.
She further appealed to Nigerian lawmakers to consider taking after Rwanda which amended its constitution to create a special quota for women across political bodies, saying that “This, I believe, is one sure way to empower Nigerian women politically.”
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In his opening remarks, chairman of the day, Saliu Mustapha, Senator representing Kwara Central, represented by Barrister Salman Salman, emphasized the societal benefits of empowering women.
While pledging one million Naira to support AWCS, he commended the group efforts in uplifting women in the society which he said has contributed to the development of the nation.
Guest speaker of the day, Imam Fuad Adeyemi who is the National Chief Imam of Al- Habibiyyah Organization World Wide, underscores the importance of women’s roles in nation-building, encouraging professional development and financial independence.
“Make sure you have a profession. A woman has the right to work, own property and to be rich, since you re entitled to pay Zakat, Islam does not go against women being rich.
“You’re more than 35% affirmative action. Stop begging for it. You have the power to retain more than the percentage requires,” Imam Fuad said.
AWCS President, Mrs. Lateefah Badru, in her closing remarks, acknowledges the cooperative’s achievements, including charitable endeavors and support for marginalized women.
She said, “AWCS which is guided by faith and empowered by sisterhood is celebrating five years of excellence to show gratitude to the people who have helped the cooperative in one way or the other.
“The Non-Governmental Organization (NGO) has over the years reaching out to orphanage and correctional homes, assisting less privileged during the month of Ramadan and providing for women in need,” Badru said.
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