2019: Women in politics, we must tap into media force – UN Women

Ahead of the forthcoming general elections in Nigeria, the ‘Nigerian Women Trust Fund’ in partnership with the United Nation Women has said that Nigeria women in politics must tap into the media force to excel in 2019.

This was revealed at the ‘Women Aspirant Meeting’ tagged Strategy Meeting on Media Portrayal of Female Candidates in the 2019 general elections held at Barcelona hotels in Abuja on Thursday.

Speaking at the two (2) days summit supported by the Australian Aid, Ms Comfort Lamptey United Nations (UN) Women Country Representative to Nigeria and ECOWAS said the United Nations Entity for Gender and the Empowerment of Women remains deeply committed to promoting inclusive and peaceful elections in the upcoming 2019 general elections in Nigeria.

“The media are important stakeholders in safeguarding the integrity and inclusivity of the electoral process and helping to create an environment where violence, including gender- based electoral violence is prevented.

“Globally and here in Nigeria, we have consistently witnessed the power of the media in helping to shape and influence public opinion around critical socio-cultural, political and development priorities. This is the force of the media which we must tap into at this meeting”.

The UN Representative commended the media organizations who she said have continuously promoted women’s rights in Nigeria and are still raising their voices to empower women today saying; “The journey to empower women Nigeria women will not be complete without the efforts of the media.

“UN Women look forward to working more closely with you in the lead up to the 2019 election in Nigeria”, she assured.