NILOWV President, Hon Irene Awunah Ikyegh
By Gabriel Ameh, The Sight News
The League of Women Voters of Nigeria (NILOWV) is taking bold steps to enhance female representation in governance and politics.
This call was the centerpiece of the organization’s Annual General Meeting, held in Abuja, under the theme: “Women in Governance and Politics: Strategic Pathways to Leadership.”
The event which took place on 19th October 2024 in Abuja attracted key stakeholders from government, civil society, and women’s rights organizations, all eager to explore actionable strategies to elevate women into leadership positions.
Speaking as a guest Speaker at the event, NILOWV President, Hon Irene Awunah Ikyegh in her keynote address, stated that this journey requires boldness, collaboration, and unwavering commitment.
“We must be intentional in building mentorship networks, advocating for gender quotas in political parties, and equipping women with the skills necessary to lead effectively. Women have the talent, the vision, and the passion for governance, but we must also have the structures and support in place to succeed”, she said.
Hon. Irene further reiterated that NILOWV is committed to driving this change, not only through advocacy but through actionable steps that will empower women to rise to positions of leadership at all levels of governance.
“Today is not just about NILOWV annual general meeting and discussions; it is about setting a blueprint for the future of women in Nigerian politics. Together, we can make that future a reality”, she said.
She emphasized that NILOWV is committed to taking these discussions forward by partnering with government institutions and civil society organizations to develop policies that will create more opportunities for women in politics. The group also announced the launch of a new initiative to train women on campaign strategies, public speaking, and policy formulation, aiming to equip them with the tools necessary to thrive in leadership roles.
She highlighted that only 4.17% of seats in Nigeria’s National Assembly are currently held by women, one of the lowest rates in Africa and therefore called for greater women participation and representation in politics and governance.
“This figure, drawn from the most recent parliamentary elections, underscores the stark gender disparity in governance, where out of 469 seats in both the Senate and House of Representatives, only 20 are occupied by women. Comparatively, countries like Rwanda and South Africa boast female representation rates of over 40%, demonstrating the pressing need for reforms in Nigeria’s political landscape”, she added
Speaking with The Sight News Correspondent at the event on the challenges facing women in Politics, Hon. Irene said despite some progress in advancing gender equality, women in Nigerian politics continue to face significant challenges, including cultural barriers, limited access to resources, and systemic discrimination within political parties.
In addressing these challenges, she stated that changing societal attitudes is critical. “We need a cultural shift where the role of women in leadership is not only accepted but actively promoted and this requires collaboration from all sectors, including the media, education, and community leaders,” she said.
In her opening remarks, the NILOWV FCT Chairperson HE. Cesnabmihilo Dorothy Nuhu-Aken’Ova, stressed the urgent need to close the gender gap in political leadership in Nigeria.
“Women constitute almost half of Nigeria’s population, yet their representation in political offices remains abysmally low. We must challenge the status quo and create pathways for women to take up more leadership roles,” she said.
The meeting featured a series of panel discussions and workshops that outlined several key strategies for achieving greater female participation in politics. One of the key pathways discussed was mentorship and capacity building.
Panelists emphasized the importance of establishing mentorship networks that connect aspiring female politicians with experienced leaders who can guide them through the complexities of governance.
Another significant point raised was the need for political parties to adopt gender quotas while participants argued that mandating a percentage of female candidates within party structures could significantly boost women’s representation at all levels of government.
One of the major highlights of the event was the presentation of a cash gift and empowerment token of Thirty thousand naira to some beneficiaries who shared their excitement and commitment to become members of NILOWV and also participate in subsequent elections.
In her closing remarks, Hon. Ikyegh reiterated the importance of unity among women in pushing for these reforms. “We must stand together, support one another, and work collectively to ensure that the voice of Nigerian women is heard loud and clear in governance,” she said.
As NILOWV continues its advocacy, the call for greater female representation in Nigerian politics remains a top priority, with the goal of achieving gender parity in the near future with international standards.
