Nigerian women are intensifying calls for greater inclusion in governance, urging the government, political parties, and civil society organizations to create more opportunities for female participation in policymaking and leadership.
A survey conducted across Oyo, Ogun, and Kwara states revealed overwhelming support for a Bill for Special Legislative Seats for Women, which aims to reserve dedicated positions for women in both the National Assembly and State Houses of Assembly.
Why Nigerian Women Are Advocating for Political Inclusion
Folasade Aladeniyi, former Chairwoman of the Nigerian Bar Association (NBA), Ibadan branch, said women’s participation in politics is not only a matter of equality but also a necessity for effective governance.
“Women bring unique perspectives, compassion, and inclusiveness into leadership,” she explained. “Their participation ensures that policies address the needs of all citizens, particularly women and children.”
Aladeniyi added that training programs and reserved legislative seats are essential to bridging the gender gap in political representation. “Political education equips women with the confidence, skills, and leadership capabilities required to compete effectively,” she said.
Addressing Gender Inequality in Governance
Bose Oyewole, former Chairperson of the Nigeria Association of Women Journalists (NAWOJ) in Oyo, stressed that women are critical to societal stability and national development.
“A family where only men make decisions will eventually collapse,” Oyewole said. “When governance is dominated by one perspective, problems persist. This has contributed to slow development and hardships in Nigeria over decades.”
Oyewole also noted that women’s absence from policymaking leaves a major gap in addressing social issues. “When women participate in shaping laws, policies improve drastically because they understand the real challenges faced by families and communities,” she said.
She highlighted women’s contributions across commerce, healthcare, and agriculture, noting that women sustain the nation economically but remain underrepresented in governance.
Reserved Seats and Legislative Reform
Chairperson of the International Federation of Women Lawyers (FIDA) in Oyo, Ademubowale Adelabu, urged women to support the proposed Bill for Reserved Seats for Women, emphasizing its potential to increase female voices in parliament.
“Women must not only demand inclusion but also actively participate in shaping the policies that affect their lives,” Adelabu said.
Similarly, Bisi Oluranti, a member of the Oyo State House of Assembly, highlighted the need for institutional and financial support to help women overcome barriers to political participation.
“Reforms must address deep-rooted social and cultural norms,” Oluranti said. “Organizations should provide targeted training on campaign management, fundraising, public speaking, and leadership to prepare women to contest elections successfully.”
Overcoming Cultural and Social Barriers
Former Kwara State Commissioner for Social Development, Bosede Buraimoh, noted that societal expectations, lack of support, and cultural norms discourage many women from engaging in politics.
“Many women are willing and capable, but they lack encouragement, financial resources, and institutional backing to run for office,” she said.
Buraimoh urged collaboration between the government, civil society, and communities to promote inclusiveness and equal participation for women.
Mentorship, Awareness, and Capacity Building
Executive Director of Global Hope for Women and Children, Christy Abayomi, identified gender bias, political violence, and stereotyping as major barriers preventing women from participating fully in politics.
“Women face intimidation and sometimes violence during political campaigns,” Abayomi said. “Mentorship programs, leadership training, and community sensitization are crucial to build women’s confidence and enhance their capacity to participate in governance.”
She added that empowering women in politics ensures that policies are more inclusive and address the real needs of communities.
UN-Women and EU Back Women’s Political Empowerment
The Women Environment and Youth Development Initiative (WOYODEV) is leading programs to encourage political participation among Nigerian women ahead of the 2027 general elections.
Executive Director Tosin Apiriola-Ajayi announced a UN-Women-supported project, funded by the European Union, targeting Kwara, Enugu, and Lagos States. The project, under the Women and Youth Democratic Engagement Initiative, aims to prepare women for leadership roles and elections.
“Our objective is to promote a socio-cultural shift from restrictive norms to democratic values that empower women’s political participation,” Apiriola-Ajayi said.
She emphasized that the initiative prepares women financially, intellectually, and legally to contest elections, fostering an environment that allows them to compete and succeed.
Apiriola-Ajayi also called on feminist coalitions and political leaders to mentor women, mobilize female candidates, and build networks that amplify women’s voices in governance.
Reducing Barriers to Political Entry
NAWOJ Oyo Chairperson Omolola Alamu called for policies that reduce nomination fees for women and ensure the implementation of 35% affirmative action in political offices.
“No Nigerian state has met the 35% target,” Alamu said. “Reserved positions for women are crucial to guarantee representation and fairness.”
She also highlighted that lowering financial and institutional barriers would encourage more women to aspire for elective offices and actively participate in political life.
The Proposed Women’s Representation Bill
The Women’s Reserved Seats Bill seeks to amend Sections 48 and 49 of the Nigerian Constitution. If enacted, it would:
Create one additional seat for women only in the Senate and House of Representatives for each state and the Federal Capital Territory.
Reserve three special seats for women in each of the 36 State Houses of Assembly.
Supporters believe the bill is essential for closing Nigeria’s gender gap in politics, where women currently occupy less than 10% of elective positions nationwide.
Advocacy for Public Support
Edith Isiek, of the Stand to End Rape Initiative, urged civil society and the public to support the bill actively.
“Raising awareness and engaging the public is key,” Isiek said. “Once citizens understand the benefits of inclusive governance, they will advocate for the bill’s passage.”
As preparations for the 2027 general elections begin, women’s rights groups agree that continuous advocacy, mentorship, and legislative reform are critical to building a fair and equitable political landscape in Nigeria.
