The struggle for gender equality in Nigerian politics has reached a critical juncture, marked by a stark decline in female representation in the National Assembly. This alarming trend contradicts Nigeria’s commitment to international agreements like the Beijing Declaration, which mandates a 30%-35% affirmative action for women in political positions. Amina Aliyu, a former House of Representatives member during the Third Republic, has voiced deep concern over this regression, highlighting the stark contrast between the current political landscape and her time in office when 13 women held seats in the National Assembly. This dwindling representation underscores the persistent challenges women face in accessing political power and influence in Nigeria. The Beijing Declaration, a landmark agreement signed by 189 countries including Nigeria, remains largely unfulfilled in its goal of promoting women’s political participation.
Aliyu’s lamentations resonate deeply with the ongoing debate surrounding gender equality in Nigerian politics. Her observations point to a disturbing trend where women are increasingly marginalized in the political arena. This marginalization occurs despite Nigeria being a signatory to international treaties and conventions advocating for women’s rights and empowerment. The stark contrast between the number of women representatives during Aliyu’s tenure and the current figures paints a grim picture of the challenges that persist in achieving gender balance in Nigerian politics. The failure to meet the 30%-35% target set by the Beijing Declaration underscores the deep-seated systemic barriers that hinder women’s political advancement.
The underrepresentation of women in the Nigerian National Assembly raises serious concerns about the country’s commitment to democratic principles and inclusive governance. The current assembly, with only four women out of 109 senators, serves as a stark reminder of the gender disparity in political representation. The recent suspension of one of the female senators further exacerbates the situation, highlighting the precarious position of women in Nigerian politics. This incident underscores the urgent need for concrete action to address the systemic barriers that impede women’s political participation. Aliyu’s call for the Senate President to reverse the suspension emphasizes the need for a more inclusive and equitable political environment.
The male dominance in Nigerian politics, as criticized by Aliyu, contributes significantly to the marginalization of women. Her observation that men often perceive Nigeria as exclusively belonging to them reflects a deeply ingrained patriarchal mindset that hinders women’s political aspirations. This mindset perpetuates a system where women are often relegated to secondary roles in the political sphere, limiting their ability to contribute meaningfully to national development. The prevailing narrative that positions women as outsiders in the political realm underscores the urgent need for a paradigm shift towards a more inclusive and equitable political culture.
The conference organized by the Centre for Peace Advocacy and Sustainable Development provides a platform to address the critical challenges hindering women’s participation in governance. The theme, “Breaking Barriers, Advancing Gender Equality and Women’s Empowerment,” encapsulates the essence of the ongoing struggle for women’s rights and political inclusion. The conference aims to raise awareness about the systemic barriers that impede women’s political progress and to advocate for concrete actions to address these challenges. The focus on reducing sexual and gender-based violence underscores the importance of creating a safe and enabling environment for women’s political participation.
The convener of the event, Augustine Igweshi, emphasizes the importance of collective commitment to advancing the rights of women and girls. His call for equal opportunities for women to thrive in all aspects of society resonates with the broader movement for gender equality and empowerment. Igweshi’s remarks highlight the need for a multifaceted approach that addresses the various challenges women face, including gender-based violence, economic disparity, and limited access to education and healthcare. The conference serves as a reminder that achieving gender equality requires sustained efforts from all stakeholders, including government, civil society organizations, and individuals.
