In line with the need for an effective, strong advocacy and orientation for feminine participation in the forthcoming general election in 2023; Bayelsa Campus Queen Organization; organized a One Day Sensitization and Orientation Program tagged THE ROLE OF FEMALES IN THE FORTHCOMING GENERAL ELECTION.
The program was held on Friday 19th August, 2022; at Nigeria Union of Journalists (NUJ) Conference Hall, Ekeki Yenagoa.

The program was to organized for young females concerning, developing interest and participating in politics, especially the forthcoming general elections in 2023.
While presenting her Keynote address, on the topic; the Necessary Actions Towards Improving Female Participation and Representation in Politics. the Pioneer State Coordinator, 100 Women Lobby Group (100 WLG) Bayelsa state chapter; Barr. Tariere Egbegi noted that it is pertinent for women to take cognizant of the fact that they are more populous compare to the male folk, that they should make use of this good advantage of their numerical strength and support viable candidates that would take their welfare and interest to heart when elected. Women should not shy away from politics. She noted some of the challenges women are faced with such as; patriarchy, stigmatization, low level of education, finances, political violence, religion and cultural barriers; in which these made women to have dragged feet in participation in politics.

Barr. Tariere Egbegi stated that, the way forward is for political parties to create a support network for prospective aspirant by pairing them with established women politicians who will be playing key role as mentors and provide capacity building for young or aspiring female politicians as to enhance and develop them ahead of subsequent elections. Also building mass coalition of women support and advocacy group using NGOs and Grassroots Women associations to coordinate support and advocacy for fellow women aspirants. Whereby creating enabling environment that allows women to engage meaningfully in decision making process in a sustainable and effective way that is free from violence and harassments of any kind. She also noted that, establishment of legal funds to assist women politicians to challenge electoral malpractices of any form at all levels of political processes.
In which, Introduction of quota system at all levels of government and identifying and engaging relevant stakeholders such as Independent National Electoral Commission and political parties to ensure strict adherence to it. These she believes would encourage female participation in politics.

Hon. (Mrs) Josephine Ekeuwei, Special Adviser on Women in Politics to the Executive Governor of Bayelsa State, who represented the Honourable Commissioner for Women and Children Affairs, Empowerment and Social Development and Patron Bayelsa Campus Queen Organization; Hon. Mrs Faith Opene. She said that Women participation in politics is a fundamental prerequisite for gender equality in genuine democracy. It would facilitate women's direct engagement in public decision making, and it is a means of ensuring better accountability to women; thus promoting an enabling environment for women to fully participate not just as aspirants or candidate in any given election(s).
She advised that Females should go and collect their permanent voters card (PVC) and ensured they vote because their vote is their voice; which most be heard. Whereby this would enable women to achieve their goal to stop the bias and give them the constitution rights which they demand for.

Also speaking was the Amb. Deborah Joshua, Bayelsa Campus Queen; Girl Child Ambassador, noted that, youths have a vast population and putting to mind the low participation rate of young females as contain in the "United Nations General Assembly resolution on women’s political participation report". It became imperative for young people to utilize their social enterprise in canvassing and encouraging majority of females to vie for political offices and participate in campaigns, voting and administration process. Because, in politics, interest is a factor that is constant. So, it is only when women have people in high political offices, who have their interest at heart, that is when their plights could really be understood and appropriate actions would be taken. She also advised that it is important as young females, they should not be apolitical.

Highlight of the program was the interactive session which consist of people of societal impart as panelists. Members of the panel are; Comr. (Ms) Ebi Kutu (Women Leader, Ijaw Youth Council (IYC) Central Zone), Mrs. Queen Indiamaowei (Assistant Director and HOD Procurement, Education Development Trust Fund (EDTF), Bayelsa State; who represented Dr. Mrs. Alice Atuwo, the Executive Secretary, EDTF), Mr. Wilfred Ifogah (HOD Voter Education and Publicity, INEC Bayelsa State), Barr. (Mrs) Emmanuelle Ebiere Ekpese (Vice Chairperson, International Federation of Women Lawyers (Fida) Bayelsa State; who represented the Chairperson Barr. Deme Pamosoo) and
Ms. Josephine Alagba was the Host of the Interactive session

While responding to a question if the youths are been committed to make an effective change? Mr. Wilfred Ifogah, stated that, the nonchalant attitude of youths towards the just concluded voter's registration, should be of concern; because the process started since last year but, just few days to the end of the process, they started trooping in their numbers. Whereby some couldn't get registered because of the deadline. He also advised women that, they should take active part in the political system, they should register in a political party and follow things up.
Comr. Ebi Kutu observed that women generally have the attitude of not been prompt to support their fellow women in politics. Which is very discouraging, to younger females. Mrs. Queen Indiamaowei; noted that females have a huge role to play in the forthcoming elections; which she stated as, voting, sensitization against election violence and promotion of peaceful coexistence. Barr. Mrs, Emmanuelle Ebiere Ekpese; encouraged women to take active part in politics, which is very important for their interest to be sustained, stating the proposed five Gender Bills in the 5th Constitution Alteration Bills which was rejected by the National Assembly.

Good will messages was taken by various participants; Comr. Sylvanus Telimoye Blessing, whose the National Vice President of National Union of Izon-ibe Students (NUIS) Worldwide, spoke on behalf of the Students community; whereby she adviced that younger females should be carried along by the elder ones by mentoring them and she also encourage females to collect their permanent voters card (PVS) and ensure they vote, candidate of their choice.

In his closing remark, Mr. Bowei-Ofongo Ebipadei the Team Lead of Bayelsa Campus Queen Organization; appreciated the dignitaries present for their support and commitment to towards the success of the program and in same vein he thanked all participants present at the event.
He wholeheartedly appreciated the Commissioner for Women and Children Affairs, Empowerment and Social Development Hon. Mrs. Faith Opene and the Executive Secretary, Education Development Trust Fund Bayelsa State, Dr. Mrs. Alice Atuwo for their immense support both financially and otherwise; which contributed towards the success of the program.
Therefore he stated that, Bayelsa Campus Queen Organization would continue to carry out her mandate, by engaging relevant stakeholders to ensure issues raise would be attended to.

Notable personalities that were in attendance are; Ms. Harriet Edide, CEO Finiee Couture and Patron Bayelsa Campus Queen Organization; Mr. Samuel Numonengi, Chairman, Nigeria Union of Journalists (NUJ) Bayelsa State Branch Comr. Benedicta John Jacob, Former NANS JCC Bayelsa State Axis Chairperson;
Comr. Benita Izonfatei Llyod
National Vice President (Bayelsa State College of Health and Technology (BYCOHTECH) Alumni Association); Ms. Tonye Tobi CEO T&T Luxury; Comr. Madock Joshua (Director General, Allied Youths for Good Governance);
Comr. Praise Ibibo, Women Leader; IYC Oloibiri Clan; Comr. Grace Collins
National Vice President (National Union of Bayelsa State Students (NUBSS) ), Comr. Treasure Igbogi, National President; Bayelsa Medical Laboratory Science Students Association (BYMELSSA) ), and host of many others; Joy Agberekeme was the host of the event.

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