Nigeria
By: Chiamaka Mogo
Happy International Women’s Day from all of us at IIDN!
Nigerian women play immeasurable roles in boosting governance, commerce, food security, peace and cultural preservation. We encourage all Nigerians to strive to Embrace Equity for the safe and free participation of women in all political and socio-economic aspects of our nation.
The Initiative for Inclusive Dialogue in Nigeria (IIDN) is a Nigeria-registered NGO that promotes sustainable good governance practices and measures in Nigeria through our educational, capacity-building and awareness-raising efforts.
Recently, reports on several incidents of gender-based violence against Nigerian women and girls have emerged through media channels. These stories range from rape, police brutality to spousal abuse. The IIDN team is appalled by such horrendous acts of inhumanity.
An all-of-society approach is needed to ensure that Nigerian women and girls live free from violence. Justice has to prevail for victims. We urge law enforcement agencies to ensure that there be no interference to justice. As traditional leaders, political leaders, faith leaders, advocates, business people, teachers, students, civil servants, youths, parents and members of the Nigerian public - let us stand up against all forms of gender-based violence. How? Below are a few tips:
Reject statements that make gender-based violence seem like a joke
Be a responsible bystander - report incidents of gender-based violence
Believe victims
Listen to victims
Educate your employees, colleagues and peers against different forms of gender-based violence
Create and implement appropriate policies to tackle gender-based violence
Promote gender equality in Nigeria
IIDN stands in solidarity and compassion with victims and their families. We will continue to use our platform to advocate for justice and for a Nigeria where mutual respect, equity and safety thrive.
Signed,
The Initiative for Inclusive Dialogue in Nigeria (IIDN)
In a few days time, Nigerians will begin voting for leaders that will represent the people for the next four years. The Board of the Initiative for Inclusive Dialogue in Nigeria (IIDN) congratulates all Nigerians on this opportunity to express choice, freedom of conviction and hope. We congratulate all who have put their names forward as candidates. We urge all candidates as well as, all security and elections-monitoring staff to avoid engaging in actions that counter the objective of free and fair elections.
Nigeria is a nation of several tribes, languages, natural resources and many more. Good governance is key to actualizing the benefits of a nation that is so naturally gifted.
Individual statements by Board members:
Timmy Guo (Development Officer of the Board):
Governance means ensuring that things are done properly and that they are done right. One key component to good governance is good oversight in decision-making, for the benefit of the masses. To achieve good governance, there needs to be transparency, group decision-making and accountability.
Chiamaka Mogo (President of the Board):
Good governance means that governments — national and state-level — are upholding the rule of law, prioritizing human rights, ensuring the safety of the citizenry and enacting policies that will lead to fair and sustainable socio-economic outcomes for all.
Ellen Edet (Public Relations Officer of the Board):
Good governance means being supported by the country that you belong to. The government should prioritize the best interests of the citizens over things that are not relevant. Good governance is elected officials putting our best interests over corruption. If we as citizens are doing well, the whole country is doing well.
Signed,
The Initiative for Inclusive Dialogue in Nigeria
