Leading advocates callS for urgent reforms to boost gender equity in Nigeria’s political system.

Posted by Grace Abuh
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Electoral Reform Hour delivered a thought-provoking edition, shedding light on the urgent need for reforms to address gender inequity in Nigeria’s political system. Despite women making up nearly half of Nigeria’s population, they remain significantly underrepresented in governance, facing an array of systemic challenges. These obstacles range from deeply entrenched cultural biases and limited access to financial resources to the ever-present threat of political violence and unequal educational opportunities. These factors combine to keep women on the fringes of Nigeria’s political sphere, hindering their full participation and contribution to national leadership.

This  Edition featured two prominent voices in Nigeria’s gender equity movement: Cynthia Mbamalu, Director of Programs at YIAGA Africa, and Ebere Ifendu, President of Women in Politics Forum (WIPF). Both speakers outlined key strategies to close the gender gap, focusing on policies like gender quotas, legal protections, and financial support for female candidates.

Cynthia Mbamalu, who has been at the forefront of political inclusion initiatives such as the Not Too Young to Run campaign, emphasized the need for legislation that institutionalizes gender quotas in the political process. “Quotas are crucial to increasing women’s representation. Without legal mandates, political parties and electoral bodies will not take the necessary steps to ensure equitable participation,” she explained.

Ebere Ifendu, a seasoned political leader, shared personal insights on the struggles women face in politics, particularly in relation to campaign financing. “The cost of running for office in Nigeria is a significant barrier for women. We need reforms that cap party fees and create fairer financial conditions for female candidates,” she said, adding that free forms offered to women by political parties are often a “Greek gift,” undermining their ability to challenge male counterparts effectively.

The discussion also touched on the role of technology in advancing women’s political participation. Both guests called for more strategic use of digital platforms to mobilize women, share their success stories, and raise public awareness about gender equity issues. “Social media can amplify the work women are doing, but we must also use it to tell positive stories of women in leadership positions,” Mbamalu noted.

In addition to technology, the advocates emphasized the need for stronger voter education campaigns and the enforcement of gender-sensitive laws to protect women from political violence. They highlighted local government as a key starting point for these reforms, noting that greater female participation at the grassroots level would have a cascading effect on state and national politics.

The program concluded with a call to action for the 10th National Assembly to pass gender-focused bills that would advance women’s inclusion in Nigeria’s political system. Drawing on examples from other African countries like Sierra Leone, Mbamalu, and Ifendu stressed that legal frameworks are essential for long-term change. “We need laws that mandate inclusion because, without them, the political system will continue to exclude women,” Mbamalu urged.

As Nigeria navigates its electoral reform journey, achieving gender equity remains a crucial step toward building a more inclusive, democratic society.

LISTEN TO THE FULL DISCUSSION HERE