The Minister of Foreign Affairs, Ambassador Bianca Odumegwu-Ojukwu, has called on the National Assembly and all political parties to take deliberate steps to protect women in partisan politics and dismantle barriers limiting their participation.
The Minister made the call on Saturday in Abuja at the maiden National Women’s Summit organised by the All Progressives Grand Alliance, APGA, with the theme: “Inclusion in Politics and Governance: Addressing Barriers to Women’s Participation and Representation.”
Describing the Summit as “more than a political conversation,” Odumegwu-Ojukwu said it speaks to national development, equity, and justice.
She noted that while women constitute nearly half of Nigeria’s population, their representation in both the legislature and executive arms of government at all levels remains disproportionately low.
According to her, Nigeria’s democratic journey cannot reach its full potential “if over half of our population remains underrepresented in the institutions where decisions are made.”
The Minister attributed the gap to decades-long structural and systemic barriers, including:
High cost of political participation
Cultural stereotypes among others
She stressed that the consequence of this exclusion is “not only unfair to women, but also costly to Nigeria’s democracy.”
Drawing from her diplomatic engagements, Odumegwu-Ojukwu said countries that have invested in women’s political inclusion have recorded stronger democratic institutions and better economic outcomes.
(Editor: Nkoli Omhoudu)
