CSOs Decry Noninclusivity in C'River Democratic Governance
Civil Society Organisations (CSOs) in conjunction with the Nigerian Women Trust Fund, a Non Governmental Organisation (NGO),
on Tuesday demanded inclusivity in the democratic governance in Cross River.
They made the demand during a town hall dialogue on Invlusivity Democratic Governance in Cross River l within participants drawn from women leaders, youths representatives, Persons With Disabilities (PWDs).
Others include traditional and religious leaders, political party representatives, Civil Society Organisations and media practitioners.
The stakeholders noted that the dialogue was convened to deliberate on barriers to political inclusion and opportunities for strengthening democratic governance ahead of the 2027 elections.
While acknowledging the existence of legal and policy frameworks that promote Invlusivity, it, however, noted that, despite that, women, youths, and PWDs have been persistently been underrepresented in political and governance structures.
It also noted that weak enforcement of Invlusive policies, political apathy, challenges of economic exclusion, digital illiteracy, and social sigma has continued to limit participation.
The groups, however, expressed the determination of the stakeholders in Cross River to address these barriers through dialogue collaboration and action, and action.
"Accordingingly, we resolve to strengthen advocacy for the enforcement of inclusion policies that ensure meaningful representation of women, youths, and PWDs in governance structures.
"To promote voter education and digital literacy programs targetted at marginalized groups to enhance political awareness and participation.
"To engage traditional, religious, and community leaders as champions of inclusive governance and to sustain multi-stakehokders platforms that amplify community voices and foster accountability in governance," reads the communique presented.
In conclusion, the participants reaffirmed their collective commitment to advancing inclusive democratic governance in Cross River and Nigeria at large.
The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that the dialogue was sponsored by the UK International Development.
SOURCE: NAN
