Team 2015: Women Political Participation Team 2015: Women's Political participation in 2015 Elections
WILPF- Nigeria was initiated, in response to a country faced with multidimensional problems related to the discrimination of women, conflicts and challenges women face as a result of being excluded fromparticipating in peace and human rights issues because of structural, institutional, economic, religious, social and cultural aspects embedded in Nigeria#s society. WILPF provides a platform to address these challenges through peaceful and non-violent means, women substantive involvement in decision-making in the areas of women, peace and security, women#s participation in peace processes, building the capacity of women at grassroots and national level and being part of a network of diverse women who are passionately seeking to transform the terrain of conflicts through non-violent means in Nigeria in particular, and around the world in general.
The project aims at addressing:
# Provisions of UNSCR 1325 on the participation of Women in governance implemented in project states Enugu, Benue and Rivers States by 2015
o Lobby/advocacy visits to the State Assemblies in the 3 states.
o 16 Days of Activism Campaign and sensitization walk/match
# Strengthened alliance amongst women activists and their allies in the focal states to build a strong women#s constituency
o Mobilize local partners Enugu # 5, Benue -3 and Rivers 3, Community Based Organisations Enugu 5, Benue 5 and Rivers 5 and LGA Coordinators 2 per LGA Enugu 34, Benue 46, and Rivers 46 through town hall meetings 1 in each senatorial zone. Totalof 9 and trainings in  political processes, leadership and advocacy skills, human rights instruments such as CEDAW and UNSCR 1325,public speaking, Media relations, local situation assessment, self monitoring and evaluation and skill acquisition training
o Skill acquisition and micro credit financing targeting directly 126 women, who will give a commitment to cascade the trainings to 30 women each and they will be financially supported to do that. Bringing the total to 3,780 women with support from Central bank to give financial empowerment which would provide them opportunities to partake in political processes and the upcoming 2015 elections; thus make them less likely to sell their votes.
oCoordinating research, data collection, analysis and documentation to ascertain the community profile, KAP study among women, ongoing interventions, and possible community partners, and women political leaders, women currently in political positions and women aspiring for elective positions at various levels. WILPF expects also to compile the current data on gender analysis of women#s political participation.
# Increased awareness and acceptance of Women political leadership and participation in the 2015elections
o Lobby activity to implement the affirmative action in Gender and Equality Opportunities bill) through the Constitution Review Committee by Women Political Coalition 30 by 30 and State House of Assembly. WILPF is a member of the coalition andrepresents the South East.
o Capacity building/enhancing workshops for female aspirants and political office holders on Civic rights and responsibility training
o Public outreach/awareness raising to facilitate the visibility of female political aspirants in the focal states
o Advocacy to the male political chieftains to include female politicians in the political structure in the focal states.
# HIV/AIDS mainstreaming: develop a HIV/AIDS Workplace Policy as a starting point to mainstream HIV/AIDS atorganization and programme level.