Stakeholders call for inclusion of women in governance

By Ochiaka Ugwu

Stakeholders at the Inclusion and National Security Summit held in Abuja Friday organized by ITeach Africa Initiative and Empower Her for Governance Initiative has called for inclusion of women in governance at all levels.

The summit themed: “Advancing Women’s Leadership for Inclusive Governance and Security” called for active participation of women in governance to enable them influence policy decisions, lead institutions, contribute greatly to peace, security and sustainable development.

Speaking on the topic “Leadership, Stability and the Future of Inclusive Governance in Nigeria”, Founding Executive Director, African Centre for Leadership, Strategy & Development (Centre LSD), Abuja, Dr. Otive Igbuzor noted that Nigeria cannot achieve sustainable stability without inclusive governance, stating that inclusive governance cannot be achieved without transformational leadership; and national security cannot be guaranteed where large sections of the population—especially women, young people, persons with disabilities, poor people and marginalised communities were excluded from political, economic and social decision-making.

He said that Women constitute approximately half of Nigeria’s population, but their representation in political decision-making remains extremely low.

While revealing that current Inter-Parliamentary Union data indicates that women occupy only about 4.2 percent of seats in Nigeria’s House of Representatives and 3.7 percent of seats in the Senate, Igbuzor said it was not merely a gender problem, but a democratic, governance, development deficit and a national security problem.

He said that women face discriminatory social norms, political violence, inadequate access to campaign finance, limited political networks and disproportionate domestic responsibilities, noting that simply asking women to “participate more” is inadequate and called for the removal of barriers that prevent participation.

He emphasized the need for Nigeria to embrace temporary special measures, including affirmative action, quotas and reserved seats to enhance women participation, maintaining that the current constitutional reform process provides an opportunity. He stressed the need for proposals before the National Assembly to include special legislative seats for women as a temporary mechanism for addressing severe under-representation.

Minister of Defense, Gen. Christopher Musa (Rtd) called for stronger representation of women in decision-making, stating that excluding them would reduce the range of ideas and capabilities available to the country in confronting complex national challenges.

Musa represented by his Gender Adviser, Col. Nneka Olimma said women already made valuable contributions to the Nigerian Armed Forces in operational, medical, technical, administrative and professional capacities.

He said that efforts to increase women’s participation must, however, be anchored on competence, discipline, professionalism and accountability.

He tasked women to aspire to leadership positions to prepare themselves through education, professional development, integrity and experience, stressing that inclusion should be matched by the capacity to deliver in office.

He made case for wider collaboration in tackling insecurity stating that no single agency or institution could address Nigeria’s security challenges alone.

While delivering her welcome Address, Director General, ITeach Africa Initiative & Empower Her for Governance Initiative, Mrs. Ebimoboare Alaibe Elezieanya drawing strength from the Four Core Pillars of UNSCR 1325 said that sustainable peace cannot be achieved when women were excluded from the tables where decisions about conflict, security, and national stability were made.

She noted UNSCR 1325 calls for the increased and meaningful participation of women at all levels of decision-making related to peace and security.

The summit aimed to promote inclusive governance, women’s political participation, leadership development, policy advocacy, and community empowerment across Africa.