Coalition Advocates Reforms For Women Empowerment, Inclusion In Governance

Ahead of the 2027 General Election, a coalition of Faith Based and Civil Society Organizations has called for urgent reforms to advance women’s empowerment and political leadership inclusion in Nigeria.

Addressing journalists in Abuja, Mother Leone-Martha Okaraga of the African Faith and Justice Network who expressed concern over underrepresentation of women in governance called for political reforms of party structure, and enforcement of policies that would penalize electoral violence against women.

Mother Leone-Martha Okaraga said despite being half of Nigeria’s population, women neglect hampers the nation’s capacity to achieve equitable and sustainable development.

According to her, the political atmosphere is not conducive for women to participate in politics in Nigeria.

” By proactively investing in empowering women to participate fully in governance, Nigeria stands to gain from a wealth of talents and innovation that positions the nation for sustainable national development.”

“We call on all Nigerians at all levels of governance, National, States and local governments to proactively invest in women leadership, so Nigeria can unlock a larger pool of talents, innovation and perspectives essential for sustainable national development and the common good.”

Also speaking a former Executive Director of the Africa Faith and Justice Network, Reverend Aniedi Okure appealed to the Tenth National Assembly to expedite action on the special seats Bill presently before it.

Reverend Okure emphasized that enforcement of laws that penalize electoral violence and harassment against women would spur them to have confidence in politics.

In a remark, the coordinator Women Empowerment sister Eucharia Madueke stressed that a combination of factors in the structural, cultural, social economic and political sphere place major obstacles to women representation in governance.

According to her, women aspirants to political office more than male counterparts are often subjected to violence, harassment and intimidation which not only deter their participation but pose serious threats to their safety during campaigns.

“Nigeria has a dismal four percent of women participation at the same level and ranks 178th of 182 countries studied.”

Kayode Oyedare, Edited By Grace Namiji