NGO engages stakeholders on gender quota, women’s political participation

A non-governmental organization, Balm in Gilead Foundation for Sustainable Development (BIGIF), has engaged non-state actors and other stakeholders in Ekiti state towards increasing women’s political participation.

The engagement was organized by BIGIF with the support of UN Women and the Government of Canada in Ado-Ekiti, the state capital had in attendance civil society organisations, media, political parties, officials of the National Orientation Agency, among others.

The Executive Director of BIGIF, Tumininu Adedeji, lamented the low representation of women in politics, stating that this has hindered their ability to reach their full potential in leadership and decision-making roles.

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She emphasized that gender quota laws would increase women’s participation in governance by ensuring their inclusion in policy-making, ultimately leading to more inclusive and balanced governance.

According to her, women’s participation in politics could help reduce corruption and ensure greater attention to critical issues such as education, healthcare and social welfare.

Adedeji said, “We are calling on the government to pass and implement gender quota laws.

“Women’s political participation in democratic governance is crucial for several reasons. It enhances representation by ensuring that the perspectives of women, who constitute half of the population, are included in policy-making, leading to more inclusive governance.

“Women leaders often prioritise issues like education, health, and social welfare, resulting in more balanced policies and lower levels of corruption.

“WPP strengthens democracy by making decision-making processes more participatory and breaking down gender stereotypes, promoting equality and justice.

“It also drives economic growth, as gender equality in political participation fosters economic opportunities”

A facilitator, Nelson Akerele, highlighted some barriers to women’s participation in politics which include lack of financial resources, political violence and intimidation, family responsibilities and the burden of care.

In his goodwill message, the Chairman of the Inter-Party Advisory Committee (IPAC), Ekiti State, Daramola Owoola, urged women to challenge societal norms and actively contest political positions, regardless of opposition.

In a communique released after the one-day dialogue, the stakeholders agreed that there is a need for intensive advocacy from the grassroots towards addressing the barriers against women’s political participation.

The communique reads, “Media partners posited that they already began gender sensitive reportage and consistent advocacy while committing to do more.

“Political parties /IPAC should sponsor bills to address related issues and political parties should present credible women for positions at the party level and for the 2027 general elections.

“Civil Society Organisations should mobilise resources to fill capacity gaps in women leadership, lead advocacy, facilitate community organising and coordinate for effective women political participation.”