Minister unveils initiative to enhance women’s political participation

The Minister of Women Affairs, Hajia Imaan Sulaiman-Ibrahim, has unveiled a flagship campaign tagged, ‘Her Seat in Parliament and Governance’, designed to increase women’s participation in governance and decision-making across Nigeria.

The initiative, driven by the League of Women Voters of Nigeria in collaboration with the Nigeria Association of Women Journalists (NAWOJ), is supported by the Institute for Peace and Conflict Resolution (IPCR).

Speaking at the launch in Abuja, the Minister Hajiya Imaan Sulaiman-Ibrahim, represented by her Senior Special Advisor on Technical Matters, Princess Jummai Idonije, affirmed the ministry’s commitment to working with stakeholders to ensure women contribute meaningfully to national development.

According to the minister, “I am convinced that this movement has the potential to rally stakeholders to dismantle the systemic barriers that have held women back and to build a future where our voices are not just heard but shape the decisions that determine our nation’s destiny.”

She noted that “women make up nearly half of Nigeria’s population, yet their representation in governance remains very low. Today, women hold only four out of 109 Senate seats and 17 out of 360 House of Representatives seats, with 15 states out of the 36 states having no female representation at all”

“At the Federal Ministry of Women Affairs, it is a new dawn for Nigerian women. Under my watch, we are fully committed to working with all stakeholders, political parties, civil societies, the private sector, and development partners to synchronize advocacy efforts, strengthen institutional frameworks, and drive sustainable change. Under the Renewed Hope Agenda of His Excellency President Bola Ahmed Tinubu”

NAWOJ National President, Aisha Ibrahim, pledged to leverage NAWOJ’s platforms to advocate women’s inclusion in governance.

“It is a monumental step towards achieving true gender equality in our nation’s governance. However, that bill is still hanging. For too long, women in Nigeria have been underrepresented in our legislative system and indeed governance.

“The League of Women Voters of Nigeria and the Nigeria Association of Women Journalists, through collaborative efforts, are taking the campaign to the grassroots and to every nook and cranny of this country to ensure the voices of support for this crucial bill resonate across our communities. Together, we will use our platforms and collective influence to mobilize support and educate Nigerians about the far-reaching benefits of having more female representatives in the Parliament than in governance.”

The President of the League of Women Voters of Nigeria, Irene Awunah, revealed that the campaign sought to secure legislative backing for the creation of 74 special seats for women in the federal parliament.

In his remarks, IPCR Director-General, Dr. Joseph Ochogwu, reiterated the institute’s unwavering support for advancing women’s participation in politics and the economy, describing it as essential for national peace and development.

Women’s political participation in Nigeria remains a crucial issue in the country’s democratic and governance processes. Despite constitutional provisions and international commitments to gender equality, Nigerian women continue to face significant challenges in accessing political leadership positions.

The representation of women in elective and appointive positions is disproportionately low compared to their male counterparts, which raises concerns about inclusivity and effective governance.

Despite these challenges, several initiatives and policies have been introduced to promote women’s political participation. The National Gender Policy advocates for at least 35% representation of women in political and public office. However, implementation remains weak, and the actual percentage of women in government positions falls far below this target.

Women-focused civil society organizations and advocacy groups continue to push for greater inclusion, lobbying for reforms and supporting female candidates.

However, about three months ago, the UN Women, a gender arm of the United Nations, reaffirmed its commitment to uphold women’s human rights as well as their political and economic participation in Nigeria.

Be that as it may, Increasing women’s political participation in Nigeria is not just a matter of gender equality but a necessary step toward achieving a more representative and effective democratic system.