The Minister of Foreign Affairs, Ambassador Bianca Odumegwu-Ojukwu has called on the National Assembly and the political parties to protect women involved in partisan politics. This is as she stated that political inclusion goes beyond legislation.
The minister made the remarks at the maiden National Women’s Summit organised by the All Progressives Grand Alliance (APGA) on the theme: “Inclusion in Politics and Governance:- Addressing Barriers to Women’s Participation and Representation,” in Abuja on Saturday.
She described the event as not just a political conversation but one with national oulook that also involved development and justice. Odumegwu-Ojukwu said that women constitute almost half of Nigeria’s population but regretted that they were poorly represented in the legislature and executive arms of government at all levels. She stated that the nation’s democratic journey cannot attain its full potential if over half of its population remained underrepresented in the institutions where decisions were made.
According to her, women have consistently demonstrated excellence in governance, diplomacy, academia, business, entrepreneurship, science, agriculture, civil society, and mentorship, but when the elected institutions are examined, there is a glaring disparity between women’s capabilities and their representation.
She blamed the situation on structural and systemic barriers which have persisted for decades. They include the high cost of political participation, cultural stereotypes, violence and intimidation during elections, unequal access to party structures, inadequate political financing, and deeply entrenched social norms that continue to discourage many capable women from seeking elective office.
She further acknowledged that the consequence was not only unfair to women; but also costly to Nigeria’s democracy.
“As Nigeria’s Minister of Foreign Affairs, I have had the privilege of engaging with countries across Africa and beyond