The Imperative of Women’s Political Participation: A Call for Inclusive Governance in Nigeria
The struggle for gender equality and women’s empowerment has been a long and arduous journey, marked by significant progress and persistent challenges. Across the globe, women continue to face barriers to accessing equal opportunities in various spheres of life, including politics, economics, and social participation. In Nigeria, the underrepresentation of women in leadership positions, particularly in political office, remains a glaring concern, hindering the nation’s progress towards inclusive governance and sustainable development. Recognizing this pressing need, the Labour Party, a prominent political force in Nigeria, has voiced its commitment to addressing the issue and creating an enabling environment for greater women’s participation in politics.
During a recent event focused on women in politics, organized by the Aju Morgan Elumelu Foundation (AMEF), the National Chairman of the Labour Party, Julius Abure, underscored the party’s dedication to providing more opportunities for women to contest in the upcoming 2027 general elections. Acknowledging the cultural, economic, and financial barriers that often impede women’s political aspirations, Abure affirmed the party’s resolve to dismantle these obstacles and actively encourage women’s involvement in governance. This commitment signals a crucial step towards fostering a more inclusive political landscape in Nigeria, where women’s voices and perspectives are adequately represented in decision-making processes.
The inadequate representation of women in leadership roles across various sectors was also highlighted by Aju Elumelu, the Chief Executive Officer of AMEF. Expressing concern over the persistent disparities in political representation, Elumelu appealed to President Bola Tinubu and other relevant stakeholders to uphold the 35 percent affirmative action for women’s participation and empowerment. This call for increased inclusion underscores the importance of affirmative action policies in leveling the playing field and ensuring that women have equal access to opportunities in leadership positions, both elective and appointed. Elumelu’s appeal emphasizes the need for a collaborative approach, where government, political parties, and civil society organizations work together to create a more equitable and representative political system.
The shrinking political space for women over the years, a trend that has further marginalized their participation in decision-making processes, was brought to light by Dudu Manuga, the National Women Leader of the Labour Party. Manuga advocated for the passage of bills that would create special seats for women in the legislature, a measure aimed at guaranteeing adequate representation and ensuring that women’s voices are heard in the halls of power. This legislative push for reserved seats represents a strategic effort to address the historical underrepresentation of women and provide a platform for their active engagement in shaping policy and driving positive change within their communities.
To effectively advance the cause of women’s political participation, Manuga emphasized the importance of grassroots mobilization and advocacy. She urged women across the country to actively engage with their state legislators and lobby for the passage of the special seats bill. This call for collective action underscores the power of citizen engagement in driving legislative change and holding elected officials accountable for promoting gender equality. By actively participating in the political process and demanding greater representation, women can play a critical role in shaping the future of their communities and ensuring that their perspectives are reflected in policy decisions.
The concerted effort to increase women’s participation in the legislature, highlighted by Manuga, represents a promising step towards achieving greater gender balance in Nigerian politics. By combining the push for reserved seats with aggressive advocacy and mobilization, the hope is to make significant strides in breaking down barriers and empowering women to assume leadership roles. However, Manuga acknowledged that political parties still have a considerable distance to travel in promoting genuine gender inclusion. This recognition of the ongoing challenges underscores the need for continued efforts to transform political structures and cultures to become more inclusive and representative of the diverse experiences and perspectives of Nigerian women. Achieving true gender equality in politics will require sustained commitment, comprehensive reforms, and a fundamental shift in societal attitudes towards women’s leadership potential.
