Stakeholders have urged President-Elect Bola Ahmed Tinubu to ensure the appointment of at least 35 per cent inclusion of women in his cabinet to increase women’s political participation. This is coming off the heels of the poor representation of women in elected positions in the just concluded elections amounting to only 2.8% despite efforts by Civil society organizations to create space for women in Politics.

Speaking at “TheWomanAgenda”, a Virtual meeting organised by Women Radio 91.7, Bukky Shonibare, executive director of Invictus Africa urged the incoming administration to enact laws that successive presidents can leverage to ensure that more women are included in the political sphere. Shonibare recounted the campaign promises of the president-elect urging him to keep to his words to mandate the federal executives to reserve a minimum number of senior positions for women in politics.
Adaora Sydney-Jack, the Executive Director, Gender Strategy Advancement International urged the president-elect to analyze the 2021 revised national gender policy and ensure its implementation. Sydney-Jack further urged women to join political parties despite the results of the just concluded elections and continue to demand their inclusion in the political space.

Auwal Ibrahim Musa, the executive director, Civil Society Legislative Advocacy Centre urged the president-elect to reintroduce gender bills rejected by the 9th National Assembly in March 2022 to allow for political reforms and equitable women’s participation in the decision-making process and governance. Musa urged female politicians not to deter in their quest for adequate representation in statutory positions.

TheWomanAgenda is aimed towards increasing women’s political participation and advocating for adequate representation for women in appointive positions.

Esther Alaribe
Women Radio 91.7
news@wfm917.com