Nigerian women from various backgrounds gathered in Lagos for a summit aimed at encouraging greater participation in politics as the 2027 elections approach. Organized by the Women Environment and Youth Development Initiative (WOYODEV), the event focused on empowering women to take active roles in political leadership.

Key Takeaways

• Women are encouraged to engage in politics beyond voting.
• Cultural and financial barriers hinder women’s political participation.
• Increased representation of women in local government is noted.

The summit, themed "From Margins to Mainstream: Empowering Women for Political Participation in Nigeria," highlighted the need for women to rise above societal barriers that limit their involvement in politics. Mrs. Tosin Apiriola-Ajayi, the executive director of WOYODEV, emphasized the importance of building strong feminist movements to challenge the status quo.

Participants discussed the objectives of the summit, which include:

• Promoting sustainable coalitions for women’s political participation.
• Challenging social norms that marginalize women in political decision-making.
• Empowering women to pursue leadership roles in government and political parties.

Despite the challenges, the summit showcased the growing number of women in political roles in Lagos State. The number of female councillors has increased from 22 to 42 across local government areas, with hopes of reaching at least 100 in the next election cycle.

Challenges Faced by Women in Politics

Women in Nigeria face numerous obstacles that hinder their political ambitions, including:

• Cultural Norms: Many men are uncomfortable with women in leadership roles, which limits support for female candidates.
• Financial Constraints: The high cost of running for office often deters women from participating.
• Internal Competition: Some women undermine their peers, creating a hostile environment for female candidates.

Mrs. Mazeedat Giwa and Mrs. Abisodun Odusina, both local government leaders, shared their experiences, noting that while the political landscape is male-dominated, there is a growing recognition of women’s capabilities. They urged women to step forward and compete for political positions, emphasizing that women possess the skills necessary to lead effectively.

The Path Forward

The summit concluded with a call to action for women to engage actively in politics, not just as voters but as candidates. The participants pledged to support one another in their political endeavors, recognizing that the empowerment of women is crucial for national development.

As the 2027 elections approach, the message is clear: women must break free from the constraints of societal expectations and take their rightful place in the political arena. The time for action is now, and the future of Nigeria depends on the active participation of its women in governance and decision-making processes.

Sources

• Nigerian politics is a nasty place for women, The Economist.
• The Motivation for Women in Politics: The Contemporary Politics of Women’s Participation and Representation
  in Africa, International IDEA.
• 2027 elections: Women urged to participate more in partisan politics, Tribune Online.