…commend APC for taking significant steps to remove financial barriers
..as ECOWAS Speaker Call for more representation of women in governance
By Gloria Ikibah
Nigeria’s First Lady, Senator Oluremi Tinubu, has reiterated that the need for women’s active participation in politics cannot be overemphasized.
According to the First Lady, the political participation of women throughout the world still lags significantly behind that of her male counterparts.
Senator Tinubu who stated this at a session of the ECOWAS Female Parliamentarians Association (ECOFEPA), during the ongoing First Ordinary Session of the ECOWAS Parliament held in Abuja on Monday, acknowledged the significant barriers that women in the West African sub-region face in achieving gender parity.
Shr urge the 10th National Assembly to give women the necessary support to achieve political recognition.
She stated: “Today, we are reminded of the critical need to address and overcome the persistent gender disparities in our political systems.
“Despite the progress made, significant barriers still exist that inhibit the ability of African women to claim a larger stake in the political process. These barriers include deeply entrenched societal norms, systemic discriminatory practices, structural issues within our political systems, and financial incapability.
“Quotas have proven to be a powerful tool in enhancing women’s political participation. They ensure a minimum number of seats are allocated to women, thereby promoting gender balance. Countries like Sweden, Norway, and Spain have successfully used gender quotas to achieve significant representation of women in their parliaments, leading to more inclusive and representative governance.
“However, when we compare the data globally, we see that many countries have implemented quotas to improve women’s representation in governance. This stark difference underscores the urgency for strategic planning and implementation of effective measures to meet the ECOWAS statute requiring 30% women representation in parliament.
“To fully achieve this across board, we must be seen to walk the talk. For instance, our party, the All Progressives Congress (APC), has taken significant steps to remove financial barriers by making nomination forms for elective positions free at the grassroots level, ensuring that capable and qualified women can participate in the political process without the burden of prohibitive costs”.
Senator Tinubu also called for improved access to education for girls and women, while equipping them with knowledge and skill to participate in political processes.
“Education is the cornerstone of empowerment. By improving access to education for girls and women, we can equip them with the knowledge and skills necessary to participate effectively in political processes. Additionally, raising awareness about the importance of women’s representation in governance is crucial. Public campaigns, media engagement, and community programs can help shift societal attitudes and dismantle stereotypes that hinder women’s political participation.
“While quotas and education are essential, enforcement of these measures is equally critical. Governments must put in place robust mechanisms to ensure compliance with gender quotas. This includes legal frameworks and monitoring systems that hold political parties accountable.
Constitutional amendments may also be necessary to enshrine gender equity in political representation. Such amendments would provide a solid legal foundation for women’s adequate representation, ensuring that gender equity is not just a policy preference but a constitutional mandate.
Civil society and women’s organizations have been at the forefront of advocating for gender equity in politics. Their efforts have led to significant advancements, but more needs to be done. These organizations must continue to challenge discriminatory practices and work collaboratively with governments to create an enabling environment for women’s political participation.
“The journey towards achieving 30% women representation in our parliament is achievable once we take the bold step to kick start the journey to an enduring democracy of quality representation.
I commend the Federal House of Representatives for passing the Bill seeking to reserve 74 seats for women in the National Assembly in a bid to encourage more female participation in politics and governance. I believe that the leadership in the Senate are gender-friendly.
Earlier in her address Speaker of the ECOWAS, Hon. Memounatou Ibrahima, has called for greater representation of women in ECOWAS governance bodies.
Speaker Ibrahima said the role of women in decision-making processes, and women’s participation is crucial for a more just and balanced society.
She said: “As we strive for a more inclusive democracy, it is crucial to reexamine and strengthen women’s roles in decision-making within our regional community”.
She highlighted the underrepresentation of women in decision-making bodies, and called for the need for collective commitment to address this issue.
“Women make up a significant portion of the ECOWAS population and have a vital role to play in our member states’ decision-making processes,” she said.
The event was attended by various dignitaries, including ECOWAS Commissioner for Human Development and Social Affairs, Professor Fatou Sow Sarr, and Nigeria’s Minister of Women and Social Development, Her Excellency Uju Kennedy-Ohanenye.