Abuja, 18 December 2022

Women groups and stakeholders gathered in Abuja at the 3rd Annual Women’s Conference to discuss sustaining momentum for active participation of Nigerian women in governance ahead of 2023.

The Conference focused on violence against female politicians, support for female political candidates, and building momentum for women’s active participation in the 2023 elections.

Pastor Deborah Life Alegbemi state coordinator CWEENS FCT who coordinated the conference stated that women are under-elected and under-represented in leadership positions and urged to work for greater representation of women. Ene Obi, Action Aid country director noted that women’s issues are multifaceted and should be addressed in a multi-faceted way. She said the conference is timely to garner support for women during elections, solicit and build momentum on positive representation of women in politics by the media. Obi thanked individuals and organisations who have at different levels supported women in the electoral season and called for more support for women.

Professor Joy Ngozi Ezeilo – CEO WACOL (OON, SAN) opined that women are underrepresented and voiceless due to lack of a supportive framework to advance their causes.

Professor Funmi Para-Malam, Director of studies National Institute for Policy and Strategic studies urged women to develop self-esteem and respect for other women as a foundation for coalition building across political parties. She urged women to support each other beyond ethnic and religious beliefs to promote gender solidarity and suggested the establishment of a political fund for female political candidates using the Obama style to identify, select and mentor competent women.

Dr. Abiola Akiyode-Afolabi CEO WARDC advised women to restrategize and reorganize to build a formidable movement and support system for other women.
Ndi Kato – Presidential spokesperson for Labour Party opined that one of the setbacks for women in leadership is the entry point and women should be allowed to participate in politics fairly. Kato advised the media to “give women room for growth and adopt the gatekeeper theory in reporting women”.

Organizations present at the Conference were charged to continue to support women in their states ahead of the 2023 elections to enhance women’s representation in governance.

The 3rd Annual Women’s Conference was organized by women groups under the Women’s Voice and Leadership (WVL) initiative supported by ActionAid Nigeria.

Chizaram Ekwuonye
Women Radio 91.7
news@wfm917.com