As the world prepares to mark International Women’s Day (IWD) on March 8, 2025, the Vice Chairperson of the Nigerian Bar Association (NBA), Gombe State Chapter, Mwalin Abdu, has raised concerns over the lack of female representation in the Gombe State House of Assembly.
Speaking on the theme of this year’s IWD, “Accelerate Action,” Abdu emphasized the urgent need for collective efforts to break systemic barriers and advance gender equality in Nigeria’s political and legal spaces.
Abdu, who also serves as the Chairperson of the NBA Human Rights Committee, recalled her experiences during the 2023 general elections, highlighting instances where women were barred from voting in certain Gombe communities.
“Today, not a single woman represents the people in the Gombe State House of Assembly. This reflects the deep-seated biases and barriers that continue to limit women’s participation in governance and leadership,” she lamented.
Citing a report by the World Economic Forum, which estimates that full gender parity may not be achieved until 2158, Abdu stressed the need for deliberate policies and actions to fast-track women’s representation in leadership.
“This stark reality should serve as a wake-up call for all of us,” she stated. “We must actively dismantle these barriers and advocate for policies that ensure women’s voices are heard and represented at all levels of governance.”
She urged stakeholders, including government officials, political parties, and civil society groups, to prioritize gender inclusion in decision-making processes.
“Together, we can build a future where gender parity is not just an aspiration, but a lived reality,” she added.
The NBA’s stance underscores the broader call for increased female participation in governance as Nigeria and the world continue to push for greater gender equity across all sectors.
