…Renews Advocacy for Gender Equity, Women’s Political Inclusion
The underrepresentation of women in politics and other key sectors in Nigeria poses a serious challenge to national development, limiting diverse perspectives and qualitative policymaking.
Ekiti State House of Assembly Speaker, Rt. Hon. Adeoye Aribasoye made this assertion on Wednesday in Ado Ekiti at the He for She Conference, themed The Role of Men in Advancing Women’s Political Participation.
In a statement signed by Babajide Agbeyo, Special Adviser on Media to the Speaker, Aribasoye expressed deep concern over the low representation of women in governance, noting that following the 2023 elections, women held only 3% of Senate seats and 4% of positions in the House of Representatives.
“This stark underrepresentation weakens democratic ideals and hinders socio-economic progress,” he stated.
Commending Balm in Gilead for Sustainable Development (BIGIF) for organizing the event, he emphasized the importance of women’s involvement in governance, stressing that their contributions would significantly enhance policy formulation and national development.
“When women are excluded from decision-making, we lose vital perspectives and experiences necessary for policies that truly address societal needs. Genuine progress requires men as active allies in dismantling patriarchal norms that limit women’s full participation in politics,” Aribasoye added.
He underscored the role of legislation in addressing systemic barriers against women, stating that lawmakers have a duty to enact policies that promote gender equality and safeguard women’s rights.
“Strong legislative frameworks are essential for enforcing gender equity and ensuring women’s inclusion in governance. Political parties must also prioritize inclusivity by creating fair opportunities for women to rise within party ranks and contest for elective positions,” he said.
The Speaker further called for increased advocacy alongside legislative measures, urging parents to provide equal educational opportunities for both male and female children. He challenged men to self-reflect when making decisions that affect women.
“Before opposing a woman’s political ambition or rights, ask yourself—would you hold the same position if it were your daughter involved?” he asked.
BIGIF Executive Director Oluwatumininu Adedeji commended the Ekiti State Assembly for passing gender-related laws but advocated for more women in leadership roles.
A resource person, Prof. Christopher Olumide, identified factors such as discriminatory laws, limited media access, inadequate education, tokenism, and political propaganda as key barriers to women’s political advancement. He urged stakeholders to push for a shift from outdated norms.
The event concluded with Aribasoye being honored with a special He for She emblem in recognition of his advocacy for gender inclusion.