UN rallies South-West leaders’ support to advance women’s political participation

United Nations Women group has rallied the support of male political leaders and stakeholders in the South West region in a bid to have more women engage in political participation and decision-making in the country.

The UN Women’s Country Representative to Nigeria and ECOWAS, Ms. Beatrice Eyong who was represented by Susan Agada spoke at the weekend in Ado-Ekiti, the Ekiti state capital during a seminar organized for male leaders of political parties in the South West zone towards promoting women’s political party participation in Nigeria through the HeforShe advocacy platform.

At the seminar organized by the UN women with support from the Canadian government, the Inter-Party Advisory Council (IPAC), and the implementing partner, Balm in Gilead Foundation for Sustainable Development(BIGIF) had in attendance male political leaders, IPAC officials, women leaders, among others from the six states in the region.

The UN women representative explained that the seminar was necessary to seek the input of political parties on how to ensure participation of more women in the political space ahead of the 2027 elections.

She lamented that women’s political participation has been low in Nigeria and Africa at large, saying that the group would continue its advocacy among stakeholders towards addressing the situation.

While calling for the swift passage of the Equal and Gender Opportunity Bill by the legislature, she argued that women’s involvement in governance alongside men is key to achieving socio-economic development in the country.

The group commended the Ekiti state governor, Biodun Oyebanji for his administration’s commitment to giving voices to more women in positions of leadership and authority in the state.

The IPAC chairman in Ekiti, Owoola Daramola commended the UN Women and its partners for championing gender quality and more inclusive political landscape where voices of women are recognized for societal development.

He reiterated the resolve of political parties in the state not to discriminate against women but to accord them more opportunities to contribute to the development of the country.

Daramola said, “The time for tokenism is over. Women’s political participation is not merely an act of fairness it is a necessity for effective governance and inclusive development.

“Women bring unique perspectives and solutions to the table, enriching the democratic process. Yet, structural, cultural, and institutional barriers persist, limiting women’s ability to engage fully in the political arena.

“In our respective roles as leaders, we must recognize the urgent need to address these challenges.”

Governor Oyebanji who was represented by the Director General, Community Communications, Mrs Mary Oso-Omotoso who said he believes in the capacity of women to deliver, revealed that the state has the highest number of women in the State House of Assembly in the region.

According to him, the women who are occupying strategic positions in his administration including his deputy, secretary to the state government, head of service, and others have contributed in no small measure to the achievements of the government in the last two years in office.

The chairperson of the UNwomen political participation working group in Ekiti, Dunni Riches said engagement with the male political leaders and IPAC was key in achieving the desired goal of having more political participation in the region.

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