Equal participation in political leadership and public life is essential to achieving the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) by 2030, but in Nigeria, political inclusion for women remains a significant challenge.
During the February 25 election, women accounted for less than 10 per cent of candidates, a continuing decline since 2010, underscoring a lack of affirmative action at odds with the Convention on the Elimination of all Forms of Discrimination against Women and constitutional guarantees for equality.
European Union Election Observation Mission noted that women candidates faced significant challenges campaigning due to financial constraints and social resistance as incentives for women to contest party primaries free of charge were not followed by genuine support.
In pushing for more participation for women, the 2023 International Women’s Day celebration today March 8, focuses on true inclusion that requires equitable action with the theme “Embrace Equity”.
President Muhammadu Buhari has promised to promote gender equality and respect for the rights of women, by removing all barriers that prevent Nigerian women from fully attaining and realizing their universal rights.
“Our goal is a country in which women and girls have access to equal opportunities, can live their dreams to the fullest, and enjoy the freedom to contribute immensely to the development and progress of Nigeria,” Buhari said.
However, data show that women are underrepresented at all levels of decision-making worldwide and that achieving gender parity in political life is far off.
United Nations Secretary-General Antonio Guterres warned in an emotional speech at a U.N. Security Council meeting on Monday, that the rollback of reproductive rights has pushed the goal of gender equality “300 years away” and called for “urgent action to equalize power” for women.
In the forthcoming March 11 election, at least 34 women are in the race for Governors and Deputy Governors, while others are contesting for seats in the State House of Assembly across the country.
There have been increased calls for more women to be elected into political offices through the 35 per cent affirmative action, but currently, there are no female governors and only four states – Enugu, Kaduna, Ogun and Rivers – have female deputy governors in Nigeria.