Abuja, Nigeria — August 2, 2025
Nigeria’s women leaders are demanding a seat at the political table. At the All-Women Interstate Debate in Abuja, women from different regions, political affiliations, and civil society groups came together with one voice: “We need more women in leadership positions.”
Why This Matters
Currently, women make up less than 7% of Nigeria’s National Assembly, despite constituting nearly half of the country’s population. The global average is around 26%, placing Nigeria far behind. This lack of representation, experts argue, weakens policies on social welfare, education, and healthcare—areas women tend to prioritize when in office.
The Debate’s Key Highlights
Legislative Quotas for Women
Participants urged the National Assembly to allocate reserved seats for women, ensuring representation at state and federal levels.
Electoral Reforms
Calls were made to review election laws to ease access to political funding for women and reduce the socio-cultural barriers hindering female aspirants.
Capacity Building
Training and mentorship programs were identified as critical tools for empowering women to run competitive campaigns.
Voices from the Event
Mary Udo, coordinator of the African Mothers Initiative (AMI), said:
“Nigerian women are qualified and capable, but outdated structures and cultural barriers block them. Inclusion must become a right, not a privilege.”
The Minister of Women Affairs pledged to support gender-friendly policies, adding:
“When women are in leadership, communities thrive. Our goal is to make inclusion a permanent feature of Nigerian politics, not a temporary slogan.”
Civil Society’s Role
Groups like ElectHER and Women in Politics Forum (WIPF) committed to supporting aspiring female leaders through mentorship, funding, and policy advocacy.
Kemi Onabanjo, a gender policy analyst, stressed:
“We have just two years to the 2027 elections. If we don’t act now, we risk repeating the same cycle of exclusion.”
Next Steps
The event closed with a communiqué urging:
National Assembly to adopt gender quotas.
Political parties to field more women candidates.
Increased funding and mentorship for female aspirants.
Conclusion
The Abuja debate was more than a meeting—it was a movement for change. Women leaders made it clear: 2027 must not be business as usual. Political inclusion is no longer optional; it’s a necessity for true national development.
