Nigerian Ministry of Women Affairs To Host Presidential Candidates at The Pink Debate 2023
The Ministry of Women Affairs, in conjunction with the non-governmental organisation Engage, Empower Educative Initiative (EEEI), will organise a Pink Debate for presidential candidates before the 2023 elections.
On Wednesday in Abuja, Minister of Women Affairs Pauline Tallen made this announcement during a Pink Debate stakeholders' meeting for presidential contenders.
Ms Tallen explained that the purpose was to inquire about the presidential contenders' goals and commitment to the advancement of women and girls.
The minister, who was represented by Funke Oladipo, Director, Women Development, stated that the meeting's purpose was also to request support and collaboration for the Pink Project, which aims to address women's and girls' concerns.
She explained that despite women's participation in the political process, they frequently received little or no benefit from democracy.
"The ministry is collaborating with EEEI to organize the Pink Debate, also known as a pre-election debate, for the candidates of the key political parties to get their commitment to Nigerian women.
"The inability to achieve 35 per cent affirmative action is evidence that Nigerian women are not being carried along by elected officers," the minister stated.
Ms Tallen will announce the date for this year's Pink Presidential Debate.
In addition, the Executive Director of EEEI, Belema Meshack-Hart, who provided an outline of the Pink Debate, listed its goals, which aim to assist women in making educated decisions.
“To ensure that women are given fair access to opportunities as men, and also create an environment that fosters social equality and gender inclusivity,’’ Mr Meshack-Hart stated.
He added that the purpose of the debate was to guarantee that all presidential candidates expressed their plans and pledges to achieve social equity and gender inclusion.
According to him, it is also to keep them accountable for the campaign promises and pledges they make. Therefore, he advised all candidates to be present for the debate.