The BAOBAB for Women’s Human Rights, in partnership with the National Democratic Institute, NDI, has organized a regional strategic workshop focusing on women’s participation in politics and leadership in North Central Nigeria.
The event, themed “From Margins to Mainstream: Improving Women’s Political Participation in Nigeria,” aimed to address the challenges women face in the political landscape and propose actionable strategies to enhance their involvement.
Yeye Bunmi Dipo-Salami, Executive Director of the BAOBAB Initiative, emphasized the organization’s commitment to developing programs and initiatives aimed at training and supporting more women to assume leadership roles.
She highlighted the need to change societal mindsets and norms that discourage women from pursuing political careers. By developing strategies to increase the number of women appointed or elected to national and local government positions, the initiative seeks to transform the political landscape in Nigeria. “Women are trained and naturally wired to properly take care of situations and everyone around us, as well as communities at large. Nigeria is our major community, and we believe in its potential,” she stated. “We have all it takes to take care of Nigeria.”
The Deputy Country Director of NDI, Francis Madugu, underscored the importance of inclusive and participatory democracy in Nigeria.
He stressed the need to elevate the profile of leadership positions and enhance the participation of citizens, particularly women, in the democratic process.
“The issue of low participation is not solely a women’s problem but a collective one,” he noted. Madugu suggested that collaborating with male allies is crucial to achieving the goal of increased female participation.
He emphasized the importance of understanding and working with male gatekeepers and allies within political parties, the electoral space, and democratic institutions to promote women’s inclusion and address the challenges leading to low participation, especially with an eye on the upcoming 2027 electoral process.
To further address these issues, Madugu added, “Identifying gatekeepers and male allies who can assist in achieving objectives to increase women’s participation is essential. We need to work with identified male allies within political parties and larger democratic institutions to promote women’s inclusion.”
The workshop is expected to foster connections and strengthen critical state actors, particularly those mandated to promote gender equality, alongside non-state actors focused on gender equality outcomes and women’s political participation and leadership. This includes political institutions, such as political parties and democratic processes, and both current and former elected or appointed female politicians, including young women active in political parties across the country.
PDP Women Leader and head of the Forum of National Women of All in Nigeria, emphasized the importance of deliberate action in promoting women’s political participation.
She highlighted the strategic success of Rwanda’s government in achieving significant representation for women and suggested that Nigeria should similarly implement its constitutional and party provisions regarding women’s involvement in politics.
Bryhm advocated for reducing the cost of political forms for both men and women to level the playing field, ensuring that women hold key positions in party offices, and setting aside special seats for women in the National Assembly. She stressed that mere constitutional provisions are insufficient; deliberate efforts are necessary to increase women’s political presence and influence.
The workshop provided a platform for robust discussions on the future of women’s political participation in Nigeria. Participants called for a more inclusive and equitable political environment, where women’s voices are not only heard but also significantly contribute to decision-making processes. The event underscored the need for strategic partnerships, both within and outside political spheres, to achieve the desired outcomes of gender equality in leadership roles. By focusing on actionable strategies and fostering a supportive network of allies, the initiative aims to pave the way for a more inclusive political landscape in Nigeria, where women can thrive and lead effectively.
The program which attended by various key figures, including the Executive Director of the BAOBAB Initiative, Yeye Bunmi Dipo-Salami; Deputy Country Director of the National Democratic Institute for International Affairs, Francis Madugu; National Women Leader of the PDP and President of the Forum of National Women Leaders, Hon. Amina Darasimi Bryhm; Committee Chairman of CSOs and Development House of Representatives, Hon. Victor Obuzour; and the Coordinator of the Network of Female Politicians for More (NFP4More National), Hon. Olubunmi Adelugba. The event also featured several esteemed attendees from different sectors of society all committed to advancing women inclusion in Nigeria’s political landscape.
