ABUJA, Nigeria — Minister of Foreign Affairs, Ambassador Bianca Odumegwu-Ojukwu, has called on the National Assembly and political parties to take concrete steps to protect women participating in partisan politics, warning that Nigeria’s democracy cannot reach its full potential while women remain underrepresented.
She made the call on Saturday in Abuja at the maiden National Women’s Summit organised by the All Progressives Grand Alliance (APGA), themed “Inclusion in Politics and Governance: Addressing Barriers to Women’s Participation and Representation.”
Odumegwu-Ojukwu said political inclusion must go beyond legislation to address entrenched structural barriers limiting women’s participation in governance.
“Women constitute almost half of Nigeria’s population, yet they remain poorly represented in both the legislature and executive arms at all levels,” she said.
According to the minister, the underrepresentation of women in decision-making institutions undermines democratic growth and national development.
“Our democratic journey cannot attain its full potential if over half of the population remains underrepresented where decisions are made,” she added.
She identified key obstacles to women’s political participation, including high costs of contesting elections, cultural stereotypes, political violence and intimidation, unequal access to party structures, limited financing, and entrenched social norms.
Odumegwu-Ojukwu noted that the consequences of exclusion extend beyond gender inequality, describing it as a setback for Nigeria’s democratic and economic progress.
Drawing from her international engagements, she said countries that prioritise women’s inclusion in politics tend to record stronger democratic institutions and improved economic performance.
“Progress does not happen by chance; it happens through political will,” she said, citing examples of African countries that have implemented affirmative policies to boost women’s representation.
The minister also urged lawmakers to support the Reserved Seats for Women Bill currently before the National Assembly, describing it as “a democratic corrective” rather than a concession.
She further called on political parties to open up space for women through transparent nomination processes, reduced nomination fees, mentorship programmes, leadership development initiatives, and protection against political violence.
“Political parties remain the primary gatekeepers of democratic participation,” she said. “If we truly desire greater representation of women, parties must intentionally create pathways for women to emerge as candidates and leaders.”
She commended APGA for convening the summit and urged all political stakeholders, regardless of party affiliation, to prioritise inclusive participation in nation-building.
