NGO Advocates For Increased Women’s Participation In Nigerian Politics
Stand To End Rape (STER), a Non-Governmental Organization, has taken significant steps to amplify women’s participation in politics, hosting a town hall meeting in Abia State on Wednesday. The event, held in collaboration with the Abia State Ministry of Women Affairs and the German Embassy in Nigeria, was themed “Amplifying Women Participation in Politics: With a Special Focus on the Special Seat Bill.”
In her opening address, STER’s Communication Officer, Elfreda Adeleye, highlighted the gender imbalance in Nigeria’s political landscape.
“We are here to encourage women’s participation in politics. Only 7% of lawmakers in Nigeria are women, despite women making up nearly half of the population,” Adeleye remarked. She noted that the event aimed to identify barriers to women’s representation and find ways to address them, particularly in Abia State, where Deputy Speaker Rt. Hon. Ben Kalu has been championing the cause.
Programme Manager Muhammed Husseni underscored the need for temporary measures, such as special seat reservations for women and people with disabilities, to bridge the representation gap.
“This is not a permanent solution but a corrective measure to address under-representation, paired with capacity-building initiatives for women,” Husseni explained.
Regina Iruoha, State Director of the National Orientation Agency (NOA), highlighted societal and familial obstacles, noting that many married women face resistance from their husbands when pursuing political ambitions.
To combat these challenges, NOA has begun sensitizing younger generations through campaigns in secondary schools, aiming to reshape perceptions and reduce stigma against women in politics.
Veteran broadcaster Ozioma Chike Ukagha, former Deputy Governor’s Chief Press Secretary Obasi Onwuka, and NUJ National Treasurer Victor Ndukwe emphasized the media’s pivotal role in driving change.
Ukagha called on the media to share inspiring stories about women leaders to motivate aspiring female politicians. Onwuka stressed the importance of legislative support, stating that bills advocating increased political participation could significantly shift the landscape for women.
Ndukwe encouraged women to actively engage with their male counterparts and rally together to achieve their political ambitions. “Women must stand up to be counted,” he urged.
The meeting underscored the urgent need for systemic reforms to promote gender equity in Nigerian politics, with stakeholders agreeing that collective efforts are essential to creating a more inclusive political system.
