The only female lawmaker in the 7th assembly in Adamawa State and member representing Demsa State Constituency, Mamuno Kate Raymon, has advocated the inclusion of more women, youth, disabled and other vulnerable groups in political appointments by governor Ahmadu Umaru Fintiri.
Raymond who made the call during a press briefing organized by the International Republican Institute, (IRI) funded by United States Agency for International Development (USAID) said the call was a fallout of a meeting by youth, women and other vulnerable groups which held on 18 and 20 May 2019.
“The International Republican Institute supported the creation of women and youth advocacy group comprising of women and youth from different political parties, civil society organizations and other interest groups to strengthen the advocacy for increased participation and representation of women and youth in the governance process in Adamawa State.
” The groups had convened on the 18th and 20th of May, 2019 to seek the views and opinions of women and youth on the impact of government policies and programs on service delivery in their lives and their level of participation in electoral and political processes in the state, ” she disclosed.
Raymond noted that the advocacy being launched by IRI has began paying premiums in the state because her political ambition stems from the advocacy of the organization.
She noted that the groups applauded the giant strides being made by governor Ahmadu Umaru Fintiri in the areas of free education and school feeding policy for public primary and secondary school and the appointment of several women and youth as members of local government transition committee as well as representative councillors.
Raymond however noted that the advocacy group needs more intervention from the governor and other political leaders in the state towards addressing concerns of exclusion and despondency among women and youth in the state.
Some of the group’s request according to the lawmaker include: “Increase in the number of women and youth appointed as commissioners, senior special advisers, executive secretaries, caretakers and heads of parastatals and agencies.
” Government should initiate and implement policies and programs in service delivery issues especially education, health, security, water and sanitation that affect women and youth directly.
“Support bills that protect and promote the rights of women, youth and persons with disability.
” Provide funds for mobilization and capacity building for women through the ministry of women affairs and the ministry of youth and sports.
“Increase empowerment schemes and vocational training opportunities for women and youth at state and local government level.
” Support the election of women and youth in the upcoming local government elections,” she said.
