“Inclusivity Is Not Something to Beg For, It’s There by Law” — Director of Gender and Inclusivity,INEC
Mrs. Dorothy Lakunuya Bello, Director of Gender and Inclusivity at Nigeria’s Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), has emphasized that inclusivity in electoral processes is a legal mandate, not a privilege to be granted on request. Speaking on Electoral Reform Half Hour, Mrs. Bello outlined the strides made by INEC to ensure marginalized groups, including women, youth, and persons with disabilities, have equal opportunities to participate in Nigeria’s democratic processes.
“Inclusivity is not something to beg for; it’s there by law,” she stated, referencing the constitutional provisions, the Electoral Act, and INEC’s own policies on gender and disability inclusivity. She highlighted frameworks like the National Gender Policy and INEC’s Disability Framework, which aim to promote fairness and eliminate barriers to participation.
Mrs. Bello acknowledged the persistent systemic and cultural challenges inhibiting the participation of marginalized groups. These include patriarchal mindsets, money politics, and accessibility issues at voting locations. However, she noted that INEC has been proactive, working closely with civil society organizations, traditional leaders, and political parties to advocate for reforms.
On the topic of women’s political participation, Mrs. Bello mentioned that INEC has collaborated with political parties through initiatives like the Charter of Demand, which encourages parties to open up spaces for female candidates. “If the space is open for women, they will do very well,” she affirmed, advocating for measures like free nomination forms and adherence to the 35% affirmative action policy to enhance women’s representation.
For persons with disabilities, Mrs. Bello emphasized the importance of accessible voting infrastructure. She noted that while INEC is not the owner of many facilities used for elections, efforts are ongoing to sensitize stakeholders on the need for accessible public spaces. She added that INEC has trained ad-hoc staff on ensuring inclusivity, such as prioritizing vulnerable groups at polling stations.
Looking ahead, Mrs. Bello underscored the importance of engaging young women in voter education. She revealed that INEC has initiated programs to mentor young female voters, sensitizing them about the importance of political participation as they turn 18. “At what point will only boys know politics and girls don’t? We are bridging that gap,” she said.
Her passion for inclusivity, she shared, stems from her belief in the transformative power of equal participation. “When you do something you have a passion for, you feel like doing it all the time, and you miss out if you don’t do it,” she remarked, expressing her commitment to making elections in Nigeria inclusive for all.
Mrs. Bello’s advocacy serves as a powerful reminder that inclusivity in governance is not just a lofty ideal but a fundamental right that must be upheld at all levels.