When I started my journey into full-time development and politics I noticed that my zeal for the job and efforts were looked down on. In the past, I had truly been unaware of the high accounts of sexual harassment, condescending interactions and the experiences that turned a dream job into a nightmare. When I started governance carrier  I had zeal towards my work however the bosses I had asked for sexual pleasures in exchange for jobs that were meant to be done for the betterment of the organization and Nigeria as a whole. Nigerian youth have  the opportunities  to partake in the betterment of Nigeria through youth representative organizations , but even these systems are corrupt. 

According to statistics, in male dominated industries , women comprised fewer than 21% of workers in 2021. I always wondered why? Was it that women did not want the jobs or they were forced to find other means because of the factors that followed. Though as society progresses we see an increase in women's involvement it does not take away from the factors that do face women especially women of color . as far back as 1948, the United Nations passed an international human rights document known as the Universal Declaration of Human Rights (UDHR) in which all persons are to be accorded equal treatment, the culture of treating women as equal to their male counterpart is yet to be fully embraced in Africa. There are tons of youth representative organizations in Nigeria, the golden question is “ why are not enough youth knowledgeable about these? And Why are these environments  so hard for women to succeed?” 

These concerns gave birth to “The Table “ Initiative. The “Table” Initiative is a project aimed to hold different conversations with Women in different spheres of influence and male-dominated careers to shed light on their experiences, stories and learnings. With this initiate we also aim to ensure Nigerian youths, both male and female have the opportunity to partake in governance. This will ensure  that the leadership space in Nigeria is Safe for Women who are ready to be leaders. In return these conversations would be used as leverage to let women know that they are “The woman for the job.” The phrase “The Table” stems from the popular phrase “what do you bring to the table , You have a seat at the table”. With this project we hope to educate, bring adjustments to limiting cultural ideologies and create opportunities that can change the lives of many.

What am I asking for? 

• There be a review  of All youth representative bodies and ensuring they are adhering to the by-laws given by Federal Republic of Nigeria.
• Publicizing the existence of these Youth Representative Body & their existing positions both occupied and vacant. All bodies should be made obtainable by youths that meet requirements
• Background Checks of All current leaders in the Youth Body organizations
• Ensure Nigeria is taking effective steps towards SDG 5 and SDG 16
• Enrollment of Youth leaders into an institution that can teach them leadership abilities and how we can empower Nigeria
• Drawing the attention of woman affairs leader to implement the building of young women leaders in Nigeria to ensure the environment for Young women leaders is fit for their success
• Reviewing Feminist Jurisprudence In Nigeria to ensure the laws create a conducive enviroment  and impede discrimination
• Leadership training for Women by High-profiled leaders 

I ask for the attention of :

1. Sunday Akin Dare Minister of Youth and Sports
2. Pauline Kedem Tallen OFR Minister of Women Affairs and Social Development