Task Force Launched To Boost Women’s Political Representation In Nigeria

Abuja, THE NEWSHAUS – A new Task Force has been inaugurated in Abuja, aimed at ensuring equitable gender representation in Nigerian politics.

This initiative, a collaboration between UN Women and the Inter-Party Advisory Council (IPAC), marks a significant step towards implementing the “Charter of Demands by Nigerian Women for political parties.”

The Charter, endorsed by all 18 political parties in September 2023, outlines a series of commitments aimed at increasing women’s political participation.

The newly formed Task Force will play a crucial role in monitoring the implementation of these commitments, developing an action plan, and ensuring tangible progress towards gender equality in politics ahead of the 2027 elections.

UN Women Country Representative to Nigeria and ECOWAS, Ms Beatrice Eyong, expressed optimism about the Task Force’s impact, highlighting the significant challenges Nigeria faces in achieving gender equality in political representation.

“Despite the country’s National Gender Policy and commitments to international agreements, women remain under-represented in political structures,” Ms Eyong said.

“This Task Force provides a vital mechanism to translate these commitments into action.”

The Task Force will work closely with key stakeholders, including the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), to address cultural barriers, discriminatory laws, and other impediments that hinder women’s political participation.

Global Affairs Canada representative Melissa Camaganacan emphasised the importance of women’s equal representation in political leadership and decision-making, citing research that demonstrates the positive impact of such inclusion on a nation’s overall progress and performance.

“Increased representation of women in political participation and leadership will have a positive impact on the Gross Domestic Product (GDP) of Nigeria,” she stated.

INEC National Commissioner and Chairman of the Outreach and Partnership Committee, Prof. Kunle Ajayi, stressed that the Task Force will not only act as an oversight body but also play a crucial role in ensuring the translation of commitments into actionable steps.

“Women possess the power to change the narrative in the political space,” Prof. Ajayi said, emphasising that nations with equitable representation of women achieve socio-economic and political development faster.

The Chairman of IPAC, Mr. Yusuf Dantalle, underscored the importance of inclusivity, gender equality, and women’s empowerment in overcoming challenges that prevent women from reaching leadership positions.

“Women and youth constitute the majority of voters,” he said, urging them to leverage their numerical strength to secure leadership positions at all levels.

The inauguration of the Task Force signals a renewed commitment to ensuring women’s equal participation in shaping Nigeria’s political future.

By working collaboratively, the Task Force aims to pave the way for a more representative and inclusive political landscape in the years to come.