Anambra Poll: PanAfrican Women Project Rallies Market Women for Political Inclusion

By Tony Okafor, Awka

A non-governmental organization, PanAfrican Women Project, has intensified efforts to boost women’s participation in politics through a sensitization campaign held across major markets in Anambra State.

The initiative, which took place at Eke Awka Market and Ose Market, Onitsha, was aimed at educating market women on their civic responsibilities and encouraging them to play active roles in the forthcoming governorship election.

The awareness campaign, led by the Head of Mission of the organization, Dr (Mrs) Eno Ben Udensi, drew a large turnout of traders, mostly women, who listened attentively as facilitators discussed the power of the ballot and the dangers of electoral apathy.

Declaring the event open at Eke Awka Market, the Chairman of the Market, represented by his Chief of Staff, Sir CID Anierobi, commended both the PanAfrican Women Project and the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) for their collaborative effort in promoting voter education.

He noted that sensitization programmes of this nature were essential in deepening democracy and promoting informed participation in governance.

“Exercises like this strengthen our democracy and make people more conscious of their rights and duties as citizens,” he said, urging the traders to put the lessons learned into practice.

In her keynote address, Mrs. Udensi explained that the PanAfrican Women Project was founded to empower women politically and socially by educating them about their roles in sustaining democracy.

She emphasized that women’s participation was crucial to shaping policies that affect families, communities, and the nation at large.

“The Anambra governorship election is fast approaching. Please go and collect your Permanent Voter Cards (PVCs) because your PVC is your power,” she urged, adding, “This election is crucial for women, children, and persons with disabilities. When governance fails, these groups suffer the most. That is why your participation is vital.”

Mrs. Udensi also warned against the menace of vote buying, describing it as a destructive practice that devalues democracy and perpetuates poverty.

Some politicians may offer as little as ₦10,000 on election day. That money cannot even feed a family for a day. Do not sell your conscience or your children’s future for such tokens,” she cautioned.

She further advised mothers to discourage their children from engaging in electoral violence and malpractices, noting that the electoral system had become more technology-driven, rendering crude tactics like ballot box snatching obsolete.

“Every child listens to the mother,” she said. “Use your influence to build a better society. Politicians come to you because they know you are powerful—use that power wisely, vote responsibly, and make your voice count.”

During an interactive session, the traders raised concerns about women’s welfare, access to healthcare, and economic empowerment.

Responding, Mrs. Udensi highlighted ongoing initiatives by the Anambra State Government, including the free antenatal care programme introduced by Governor Chukwuma Soludo’s administration.

She also reaffirmed her organization’s commitment to providing healthcare support in rural areas where government intervention remains limited.

The session ended on a lively note, with the market women singing solidarity songs and pledging to mobilize their peers to participate actively in the electoral process.

The advocacy train later moved to Ose Market, Onitsha, where Mrs. Udensi reiterated that democracy in Africa could not thrive without the involvement of women and youths.

“Even our grandmothers queue to vote,” she declared. “Your PVC is your power. One vote can change the result. Women can change anything.”

She urged the women to reject financial inducements from politicians, stressing that such handouts bring only temporary relief but long-term suffering.

“Even if they give you 100 dollars, it will not change your life for four years,” she said. “Reject money for votes. The children who snatch ballot boxes end up in prison, while the politicians’ children live comfortably abroad.”

Udensi reminded the participants that women wield tremendous influence in their homes and communities, often shaping political decisions indirectly.

“We can advise our husbands in our bedrooms and influence the right choices. There is nothing we cannot change if we are united and determined,” she told them.

Highlighting her organization’s experience, Mrs. Udensi disclosed that the PanAfrican Women Project had monitored elections in 17 African countries, including Malawi.

She said part of the group’s mission was to gather feedback from women across Africa and relay their concerns to the organization’s head office in South Africa for broader advocacy.

In her closing remarks, the Women Leader of Ose Market, Mrs. Hope Alaetuo, thanked the NGO for the enlightenment visit and assured that the women would act on the lessons learned.

“We have heard you and we will do our part. We will go out, collect our PVCs, and vote wisely,” she affirmed.

The sensitization exercise was widely applauded by participants as a timely intervention, especially as the state gears up for another electoral season.

With renewed awareness among women—the backbone of the marketplace and the home—the message of empowerment, integrity, and participation appeared to have found fertile ground in the hearts of Anambra’s market women.