Anambra poll: Women group rallies market women for political inclusion

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By Madu Obi

A non-governmental organization, PanAfrican Women Project, has intensified efforts to boost women’s participation in politics through a sensitization campaign held across major markets in Anambra State.

The initiative is aimed at educating market women on their civic responsibilities and encouraging them to play active roles in the forthcoming governorship election.

The awareness campaign, which commenced in Awka, drew a large turnout of traders, mostly women, who listened attentively as facilitators discussed the power of the ballot and the dangers of electoral apathy.

Declaring the event open, Sir CID Anierobi, commended both the PanAfrican Women Project and the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) for their collaborative effort in promoting voter education, adding that sensitization programmes of this nature were essential in deepening democracy and promoting informed participation in governance.

“Exercises like this strengthen our democracy and make people more conscious of their rights and duties as citizens,” he said, urging the traders to put the lessons learned into practice.

In her keynote address, the leader of the group, Mrs. Eno Ben Udensi explained that the PanAfrican Women Project was founded to empower women politically and socially by educating them about their roles in sustaining democracy.

She emphasized that women’s participation was crucial to shaping policies that affect families, communities, and the nation at large.

“The Anambra governorship election is fast approaching. Please go and collect your Permanent Voter Cards (PVCs) because your PVC is your power.

This election is crucial for women, children, and persons with disabilities. When governance fails, these groups suffer the most. That is why your participation is vital", she said.

She warned against vote buying, describing it as a destructive practice that devalues democracy and perpetuates poverty.

"Some politicians may offer as little as ₦10,000 on election day. That money cannot even feed a family for a day. Do not sell your conscience or your children’s future for such tokens,” she cautioned.

She further advised mothers to discourage their children from engaging in electoral violence and malpractices, noting that the electoral system had become more technology-driven, rendering crude tactics like ballot box snatching obsolete.

“Every child listens to the mother. Use your influence to build a better society. Politicians come to you because they know you are powerful—use that power wisely, vote responsibly, and make your voice count", she added.