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As Nigeria marks Workers’ Day, the Electoral Reform Hour brought together gender experts Adora Onyechere-Sidney Jack and Zainab Abdur-Rashid to discuss the persistent exclusion of women in Nigerian politics and the urgency of implementing gender-responsive reforms.

Speaking during the program, Zainab Abdur-Rashid, Senior Program Officer at Women’s Rights Advancement and Protection Alternative (WRAPA), said women remain largely absent in elective offices due to societal norms and traditional gender roles. “Women have been affected by societal norms and expected to fulfill as housewives, as mothers. This doesn’t give room for effective participation,” she said.

She added that fear of violence and stereotyping also discourage women from political participation. “If democracy wants to work, it has to be inclusive,” she stressed.

Adora Onyechere-Sidney Jack, Executive Director of the Gender Strategy and Advancement Initiative, attributed part of the problem to the “masculine model” of Nigeria’s political space, which she described as aggressive and exclusionary. “Our political setting has a very masculinized way of operation. It embodies aggression, competition, and combat,” she said, noting that these structures discourage women from participating meaningfully in politics.

Both speakers highlighted the gap in unpaid care work, noting that women often juggle multiple responsibilities without adequate support. “More women are in unpaid care work… they do not have the ability to have enough time to actually give part of that their leadership currency,” Adora explained.

On the topic of gender quotas, Zainab said Nigeria already has a revised National Gender Policy passed by the Federal Executive Council in 2022, which recommends 50% representation for women. “If we don’t make it a point to deliberately implement it in Nigeria, we’re nowhere near it,” she said. She also stressed the need for punitive measures to ensure compliance.

Adora cited examples from countries like Rwanda, South Africa, and Kenya where quota laws have led to increased women’s representation. She criticized the lack of political will in Nigeria, saying, “There has never been a political will to implement.”

The conversation also addressed the failure of women-focused bills in the National Assembly and the resistance to the proposed special seat bill. Adora revealed that even parliamentarians from the South questioned “who would give up their seat,” showing reluctance to accommodate women’s inclusion.

Discussing voter behavior, Zainab referenced research showing that 73% of women vote based on the advice of male figures, highlighting the need for more voter education and political awareness among women.

On the issue of incentives during campaigns, Adora said women are often misinformed and targeted with hunger. “Even before campaigns started, women started forming coalitions and groups for collection  of salt, rice, oil,” she said.

Both guests called for greater unity and clarity in the women’s movement. Adora noted that unlike the Not Too Young to Run movement, current advocacy lacks unambiguous mobilization. “There must be a lead cause,  until we do that, we will not be consistent,” she said.

They also discussed the idea of a single-day election. While acknowledging its potential to reduce costs and improve participation, both cautioned that it must be carefully reviewed. “Politicians can also find a way to maneuver it,” Adora said.

As the program concluded, Zainab called for strengthened grassroots networks and training for women, especially in rural communities. “Simple sensitizations can go a long way,” she said, noting that many women are capable leaders but are limited by poverty and misinformation.

Adora concluded by emphasizing the need to legislate the gender policy and special seat bill together, stating, “If I were president, I would ask for an executive bill that will have women’s inclusion to at least the tune of 50%.”

LISTEN TO THE FULL DISCUSSION HERE