Nigerian women want greater role in governance

As participation of women in elective positions continues to dwindle in Nigeria, especially as recorded in the 2019 general elections, women across African countries have continued to call for greater participation that would see them elected into decision making bodies in the country. Recent statistics revealed that women participation in parliament has regressed from 5.6 […]

As participation of women in elective positions continues to dwindle in Nigeria, especially as recorded in the 2019 general elections, women across African countries have continued to call for greater participation that would see them elected into decision making bodies in the country.

Recent statistics revealed that women participation in parliament has regressed from 5.6 percent before the 2019 general elections to 4 percent after the election which is said to be below standard for a country like Nigeria.

The first lady, Aisha Buhari, speaking at the launch of the Nigeria Chapter of African Women Leaders Network (AWLN) on Monday in Abuja, stressed the need for increased women participation in governance in the country.

She said civil society organisations (CSOs) and agencies have been advocating for women inclusion in leadership positions, adding “it has been identified that we have capable women that have the potential to be in decision making positions in this country.”

Aisha also said the productivity of Nigerian women is being wasted because they are capable and willing to do better than men but that their low representation in prominent positions in government is worrisome, in spite of the vital roles they play during elections.

The chairperson, Steering Committee of AWLN Nigeria chapter, Nkoyo Toyo, identified five priority areas for the network in the country to include, women’s participation in peace and security, women’s political representation and leadership, women’s economic empowerment and social investment.

She said the organisation is a joint initiative of the AU, UN office of the UN Entity for Gender Equality and the Empowerment of Women (UN Women) and Germany and further explained that the group aims to enhance the leadership status of women in the transformation of Africa, in line with Africa Agenda 2063 and the 2030 Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).

The UN Humanitarian Coordinator, Mr. Edward Kallon also called on President Muhammadu Buhari to consider more women in his cabinet because the progress on women’s participation and leadership in politics and peace processes is still lagging in Nigeria.

Mr Kallon said, “I know that at the political heartbeat of politics, there are lots of hustling going on but I want to call on President Muhammadu Buhari that in his solitary decision of the next cabinet to consider quantum women because women deserve the chance for peace to stand and build better future for their children and we know they can do it.