Gender equality, foundation of strong democracy, says INEC Director, Mrs Etta-Messi

By Lateef Ibrahim, Abuja

The Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) has said that gender equality is foundational to a strong and virile democracy.

The Commission’s Director of Voter Education and Publicity (VEP) Mrs. Victoria Eta-Messi, who made the declaration on Saturday, hailed the invaluable contributions women have made in shaping both society and the electoral landscape.

Mrs Eta-Messi, who spoke on the occasion of the commemoration of this year’s International Women’s Day celebration, pledged stronger commitment of INEC to gender equality in the nation’s electoral process.

She explained that the commission’s

efforts aimed at breaking down the societal and structural barriers that limit women’s involvement,reinforce that gender equality is foundational to a strong democracy.

According to her “As the Commission celebrates this year’s International Women’s Day, it reaffirms its dedication to empowering women within Nigeria’s electoral process.

“When women are empowered to take leadership roles and given equal opportunities, our democracy will thrive. “Governance will be more inclusive, and Nigeria’s future will be brighter for all.

I”n this pivotal moment, INEC urges everyone—both men and women—to continue supporting gender equality, not just in the electoral process, but in every aspect of life”, she said.

Continuing, the INEC’s Director of VEP said, “Women’s Day theme-Accelerate Action, the Commission highlighted that achieving gender equality is not just about fairness—it’s crucial for strengthening democracy.

“A gender-balanced leadership, where women are equally represented in decision-making, creates more inclusive, responsive governance,” Mrs. Eta-Messi

said.

She acknowledged that Nigeria’s future democracy hinges on women’s full participation.

Reflecting on the progress within INEC, she pointed to key positions currently held by women, saying, “The Commission currently has 2 female National Commissioners, while the Secretary of the Commission is a role held by a woman, showcasing women’s increasing role in top administrative positions.

“Also, 4 of the Resident Electoral Commissioners (RECs) are women, and 12 out of 37 Administrative Secretaries are women, accounting for 32.4% of the leadership.

“In celebrating the International Women’s Day on March 8, 2025, the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) has reaffirmed its commitment to advancing gender equality within the Commission and bolstering women’s involvement in Nigeria’s electoral process”, she stressed.

Mrs. Victoria Eta-Messi, hailed the invaluable contributions women have made in shaping both society and the electoral landscape.

Furthermore, the Director said that women currently make up 42.3% of the 26 Directors at INEC, signaling a significant increase in women’s roles within the decision-making body.

“Despite these strides, INEC recognizes that gender equality remains a work in progress”, she added.

Mrs. Eta-Messi this emphasized the need for policies to eliminate the barriers women face, including societal expectations, lack of support systems, and gender-based violence.

Her word’s, “The Commission is committed to ensuring equal representation at all levels of the electoral process.

“We are actively working on policies that will encourage greater participation of women—whether as candidates, voters, election administrators, or party representatives”, she stressed.