By Michael Oche
The Centre for Transparency Advocacy has emphasized the need for women’s organizations to leverage the Freedom of Information (FOI) Act as a tool for demanding transparency, accountability, and inclusion in governance.
CTA Executive Director, Faith Nwadishi made the call when she led a team on a courtesy visit to the National President of National Council of Women Societies (NCWS), Princess Edna D.D. Azura. The
Nwadishi during the visit called for increased collaboration between both organisations to advance women’s rights and representation.
The visit is part of the Strengthening Accountability and governance in Nigeria Initiative (SAGNI) project being implemented by CTA with support from the Rule of Law and Anti-Corruption Programme (RoLAC) and funding from the European Union through International IDEA.
“The FOI Act does not explicitly mention gender, but women must actively use it to hold institutions accountable for gender-responsive policies,” Nwadishi said.
According to her, “Women’s groups should utilize the FOI Act to assess how various ministries and sectors are implementing gender inclusion policies.”
Nwadishi explained that CTA is committed to supporting the NCWS by providing technical guidance and capacity-building initiatives through the SAGNI project.
She also called on NCWS to establish an FOI desk and appoint an FOI officer to drive transparency-related engagements.
In her reaction, Princess Edna Azura welcomed the CTA team and appreciated their commitment to advocating for women’s rights.
She noted that the CTA’s objectives align with NCWS’s goals, adding that a partnership will be beneficial in achieving shared advocacy objectives.
The NCWS national president reaffirmed NCWS’s willingness to work with CTA to actualize its goals and make meaningful impacts on women’s empowerment.
