PWAN trains 30 young women on political leadership and mentoring

By Rahila Dauda

Rule of Law and Empowerment Initiative also known as Partners West Africa Nigeria (PWAN) kicked off the second phase of its Political and leadership mentorship programme with the just concluded 3- day boot camp for young women between the ages of 18 to 35.

The programme was hosted with the support of the National Endowment for Democracy (NED) and in collaboration with YIAGA Africa, EnoughisEnough (EiE) and Women’s Rights Advancement and Protection (WRAPA). The boot camp is the second phase of the program as the first phase was held last year

According to Kemi Okenyodo, Executive Director of PWAN, the training  was mainly aimed at equipping politically minded young women who aspire for political offices.

It was also intended to make them more prepared and knowledgeable on the rudiments of running for political offices, what it takes and how to be successful at the polls. The boot camp also afforded participants with the opportunity to meet with current political holders, those who have ran for offices before, seasoned and amazing speakers.

In the words of Kemi Okenyodo Esq, “PWAN seeks to build the capacity of the young women present in navigating the political terrain in Nigeria, understanding the electoral system and good governance.”

Participants were trained on the history of the Nigerian political system- women’s experience; running for elective office; democratic ethics; process of lawmaking; the life of a full-time politician; professional ethics; networking and engaging with your constituencies; public speaking and media engagement. Those were powerful sessions that left participants much better equipped and mentored.

Some of the participants have this to say:

‘’A big thanks to Mrs Kemi Okeyondo, the Executive Director  and the team members who made the whole process a success .The total experience of learning and sharing exceeded my expectations  and I must confess that it is indeed a milestone me which I hope to run with it’’-  Susan Okolie

‘’My heartfelt gratitude to PWAN and its amazing team of Beautiful and Hardworking ladies, for the platform to learn and expand our knowledge, capacity and networks. It was such an impactful and memorable experience, one I will love to relive if the opportunity presents itself again’’ -Bushrah Balogun

Indeed the Political Leadership and Mentorship boot camp has impacted meaningfully in the lives of these 30 women and also gave the opportunity to network and make friends with different people from diverse background in Nigeria.

Worthy of note is the fact that the participants will be paired with a mentor for the next six months……

Hmmmm if this is not amazing and unprecedented then I cannot find a word to say otherwise. kudos to Rule of Law and Empowerment Initiative (PWAN) for this life changing programmme and yes the writer is a participant too.