As women across the world finally inch towards the centre stage in politics today, Nigeria seems to be on a much different trajectory thanks, in part, to several institutional, religious, and societal factors that continue to hinder women’s participation in politics. Recent figures from the 2019 Nigerian general elections, show 11 women clinching seats in a lower chamber of the National Assembly with 260 seats.
It is shocking that 21 years into its democracy, Nigeria is yet to have a female state governor, not because candidates are lacking, but because of a structure that has continued to omit the voices of a group that constitutes almost half of its population.
While other countries appear to be making a case for balanced governance, the Nigerian situation remains a cause for concern with very few women allowed to contribute to decision processes that affect them. However, in a bid to amend the structure and facilitate women’s participation in politics from voting to running for office at different levels, several Nigerian women leadership non-governmental organizations and initiatives are saddling up, taking the reins, and leading the way towards change.
ElectHER
A partnered effort between the Social Change Network (TSCN) Africa and Women in Leadership Advancement Network (WILAN), ElectHER is an end-to-end women’s political advancement initiative aimed at improving the significantly low representation of women in Nigerian politics by engaging, encouraging and providing women with the information and resources needed to Decide, Run and Win elections at different levels.
Catering to women with political ambitions, ElectHER provides women with resources that fit their different needs and aspirations. Launched in 2019, the initiative is currently working on a $10million election campaign fund to support up to 1,000 women with intentions to run for office in 2023.
The Kudirat Abiola Initiative for Democracy (KIND)
Established by Hafsat Abiola-Costello in honour of her late mother, revolutionary activist, and heroine of democracy, Kudirat Abiola. KIND is a non-governmental organization based in Lagos, Nigeria, which works on projects aimed at opening up opportunities and breaking down barriers that hinder women’s public participation in social, economic and political development.
Providing beneficiaries with information and skills needed to thrive in public service, one of the organization’s leadership programs, Kudra, is offered at higher institutions of learning in Nigeria to help young women become active in changing their community and develop leadership qualities needed to take charge at different levels of government.
The Moremi Initiative for Women’s Leadership in Africa
Starting off in Ghana as the Women’s Initiative for Empowerment and Leadership Development (WIELD) in 2004, the Moremi Initiative is a pan-African non-profit organization driven by the need to engage, inspire and equip young women and girls across Africa, to become the next generation of leading politicians and change agents.
With offices in Lagos, Ghana, and the United States, the Moremi Initiative seeks to achieve its goals through training and other proactive strategies that will help women secure seats on leadership tables in their various communities.
As the 2023 general elections draw close, it is imperative that bottlenecks that have impeded women’s participation in politics are removed. While women need to be educated and encouraged to participate, the environment and structure need to be more receptive to avoid a performative cause. Cases such as Natasha Akpoti’s of Kogi State deter active participation in politics. Changing mindsets remains important, however, pushing for policies, providing financial backing and amending structures need to be at the forefront heading into the 2023 polls.
This story is part of our new series on Nigeria where we analyse electoral reform in the country ahead of the next general elections in 2023.
