By Jane Otu
DAILY COURIER - Nigeria’s global standing in women’s political inclusion has hit a troubling low as the country ranks 178 out of 182 nations in female representation in parliament, according to a January 2025 report by the Inter-Parliamentary Union (IPU). This dismal ranking highlights the nation’s failure to address gender disparity in politics, with women occupying a mere 3.9% of seats in the House of Representatives and 2.8% in the Senate.
This comes nearly three years after a 2021 Federal High Court ruling mandating 35% female representation in appointive positions—a judgment that remains largely ignored. Civil society organisations and advocacy groups, including the Nigerian Women Trust Fund, have consistently championed the cause, but the anticipated change is yet to materialise.
Despite President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s commitment in his campaign manifesto to achieve 35% women’s participation in governance, the reality has been starkly different. As of October 2024, women hold only 17% of federal cabinet positions—far below the promised target.
Bukky Shonibare, Executive Director of Invictus Africa, expressed her frustration over the government’s lack of action. “When judgments are ignored, it erodes public trust in the government and further exposes its lack of political will to address gender inequality,” she said.
Shonibare emphasised the systemic barriers women face, including cultural biases, financial constraints, and male-dominated party structures that exclude women. “Despite incremental progress in some regions, society has yet to fully embrace the idea that women are capable leaders,” she added.
Shonibare underscored the importance of women demanding their rightful place in politics. “Power is not given; it’s taken,” she declared, urging Nigerian women to fight for influential positions rather than settle for token roles.
She stressed the need for societal re-education on women’s leadership and dismantling harmful stereotypes that confine women to domestic roles. “Women must be seen as equal players in the political arena, not just tools for someone else’s agenda,” she said.
As the country enters 2025, there is cautious optimism among advocates for women’s inclusion. Shonibare highlighted upcoming local council elections as a critical opportunity to increase female participation, particularly in states like Katsina.
She also called for legislative action to institutionalise the 35% affirmative action, urging the Tinubu administration to remove structural barriers such as patriarchy and stigmatisation. “A legislative order supporting the promise of 35% representation will show true commitment to gender equality,” she asserted.
Advocates are optimistic about the passage of the special seat bill for women, which has passed its second reading in the National Assembly. If enacted, the bill will guarantee reserved seats for women in parliament, ensuring their presence in political decision-making.
Shonibare concluded with a powerful message: “The time for lip service is over. The government must act decisively to break the barriers preventing women from advancing in politics. Only then can we build a truly inclusive democracy.”
As Nigeria grapples with its abysmal ranking, the call for action grows louder, with women’s groups, civil society, and political analysts uniting to demand a future where women are not just participants, but leaders in the political landscape.
