Wale Akinselure
A group, Westminster Foundation for Democracy Nigeria, has raised concerns about the low participation of women in politics in Nigeria.
According to the group, in terms of women partication in politics, Nigeria ranks sixth in Africa, trailing behind Rwanda, Senegal, South Africa, Namibia, Mozambique, and Ethiopia.
The Country Director, Westminster Foundation for Democracy Nigeria, Adebowale Olorunmola, disclosed this at a three-day workshop for members of the Inter-Party Advisory Council in Lagos on Tuesday.
Olorunmola noted that Nigeria ranks180th globally, with only four percent of women in the lower house, compared to Rwanda, which ranks first globally with 61 percent of women in the lower house.
He also pointed out that Senegal, South Africa, Namibia, Mozambique, and Ethiopia have achieved at least 40 percent representation of women in their lower houses.
In a statement made available to The PUNCH on Wednesday, Olorunmola emphasisd the need for women to actively engage in politics.
“The SWRAPP Project seeks to increase women’s representation in political leadership and decision-making processes. Women constitute a significant part of Nigeria’s population, and their meaningful participation in politics is vital for achieving balanced, inclusive, and sustainable development,” he said.
He continued, “As we review the Constitution, I urge you all to ensure that gender inclusivity is prioritised. Political parties play a key role in creating pathways for women to emerge as leaders, and IPAC, through this process, can lead by example.”
The workshop, which was funded by the Foreign, Commonwealth, and Development Office, aimed to review the IPAC code of conduct and transition to a constitution that would adopt the Support for Women Representation through Actions by Political Parties platform.
IPAC Chairman, Yusuf Dantalle, urged women to take their rightful place in national affairs and actively participate in politics.
“IPAC has always been operating with a code of conduct but you know the constitution has more legal backing and is stronger than the code of conduct. So, we are upgrading and then including a few things that are not captured in the code of conduct. When you talk about women’s inclusion in politics, when I got the figure, it’s laughable, at least considering the position of Nigeria democratically and economically in Africa and by extension, the globe,” Dantalle said.
High Commissioner at the British High Commission/Foreign, Commonwealth, and Development Office, Dr. Richard Montgomery, emphasized the importance of a comprehensive and progressive constitution for IPAC to regulate the conduct of its members.
He stated, “It will also publicly reaffirm your membership’s commitment to democratic principles. It will enhance the credibility and legitimacy of the Nigerian political process, both domestically and internationally, and it will foster public trust in your organisation and democracy more generally.”
Montgomery continued, “As you know, the UK’s commitment to an inclusive agenda is strong. It’s because we believe that one of the hallmarks of a well-functioning democracy is the inclusion of women, the youth, and persons with disabilities, both in leadership and the decision-making process. The UK is a willing member to support and endeavour, and we look forward to further discussions across this valuable topic.”
The Resident Electoral Commissioner for Lagos State, Prof. Ayobami Salami, who represented INEC Chairman, Prof. Mahmood Yakubu, stressed the need for collaboration between political parties and IPAC to improve women’s participation in politics.
He noted, “All of us agree that the rating currently is not good enough for us as a nation, and that is why we’re happy that IPAC is organising this kind of meeting because we need the collaboration and the cooperation of the political actors and then the stakeholders to change this narrative. And I believe that this effort in working together with the political parties and also lobbying the National Assembly will help us to improve the ranking.”
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