The Nigeria Association of Women Journalists (NAWOJ), Ekiti State chapter has urged governments and the private sector to encourage and support more women to vie for leadership positions in the country.

The Chairperson of NAWOJ in Ekiti State, Mrs Fatimoh Bello made the call in Ado Ekiti on Friday while speaking on the 2019 International Women’s Day.

Bello said that the public and private sectors should assist women in achieving various goals and desires for societal development.

The chairperson said that the inclusion of women in governance was a backbone for meaningful development in a country stressing that government should make 35 percent affirmative practicable.

She urged women in the state to go out en mass on Saturday to exercise their franchise and vote the candidates of their choice.

“I want women to vote for women candidates vying for House of Assembly, so that they can serve as their voice and good representative at the legislative house,” she said.

She urged women to always go for leadership positions stressing that women could hold leadership positions like their male counterpart.

“I wish all female candidates going for House of Assembly positions good luck,” she said.

The International Women’s Day is marked every March 8 to celebrate women globally.

The theme for this year is ‘Balance for Better’.