We Will Continue To Improve Women’s Socio-Economic Atmosphere – Yaya

ElectHer, an organization dedicated to investing in the inclusion of women in socio-economic and public life across Africa, partnered with the Nigeria Women Trust Fund to establish a situation room at the Protea Hotel during the recently concluded Edo State governorship election. The focus was on monitoring the participation of women, including those who are elderly and those with disabilities, in the electoral process.

Amina Yaya

Amina Yaya, Program Manager for the election, praised the turnout of women in the Edo State election. “We witnessed good participation from women, including the aged and those with disabilities,” she noted. Yaya highlighted that their observers were stationed across various local government areas, gathering data to provide a comprehensive independent review of the election outcomes.

Yaya also emphasized ElectHer’s gender-sensitive approach to pre-election matters, such as analyzing demographics, campaign promises, and the persistent gender disparities in political data. “Our expected report will deliver a holistic and independent review of the election,” Yaya added, underscoring ElectHer’s commitment to data-driven advocacy.

Challenges Facing Women in Politics

While celebrating the strides made, Yaya acknowledged the significant barriers that women still face in politics. “Interparty democracy is lacking, and there are still critical gaps in the availability of funding for women candidates. Social and cultural barriers have deep roots in communities, and political offices are predominantly male-driven,” she explained.

This reflects broader trends across Nigeria, where women’s representation in elective offices remains one of the lowest in Africa. The underrepresentation stems from various factors, including financial constraints, lack of access to political networks, and societal norms that view politics as a male domain. These challenges are further compounded by inadequate interparty support for women, resulting in limited opportunities for female candidates.

ElectHer Nigeria’s mission is clear: to empower, equip, and enable women to run for elective office by breaking down the barriers that inhibit their participation. Through initiatives like the “Agender35” campaign, ElectHer aims to support 1,000 women to run for office by 2027, providing critical funding, training, and resources to aspiring female leaders.

ElectHer’s collaboration with the Nigeria Women Trust Fund during the Edo State election highlights their proactive approach to fostering women’s inclusion in political processes. The organization not only monitors elections but also engages in pre-election and post-election activities to ensure women’s voices are heard and counted.

Strategies to Improve Women’s Participation in Politics

1. Policy Reform and Gender Quotas: Implementing gender quotas in political parties and elective offices can help increase women’s representation. Countries like Rwanda and Senegal have successfully used quotas to boost women’s participation, offering valuable lessons for Nigeria.

2. Financial Support for Female Candidates: Establishing dedicated funds and grants for female candidates can reduce the financial barriers that prevent women from running for office. ElectHer’s funding initiatives are essential steps in this direction.

3. Capacity Building and Training: Equipping women with the necessary skills through leadership training, mentorship, and campaign strategy workshops can empower them to compete effectively in elections.

4. Public Awareness Campaigns: Changing societal perceptions of women in politics requires sustained public awareness efforts. Highlighting the achievements of women leaders can inspire others and help dismantle entrenched stereotypes.

5. Strengthening Interparty Democracy: Political parties must commit to internal reforms that promote the inclusion of women in leadership positions within the party structure, ensuring that women have equal opportunities to run for office.

ElectHer’s Continued Commitment

Yaya reaffirmed ElectHer’s dedication to improving the socio-economic atmosphere for women in Nigeria. “Our work extends beyond politics; we are committed to creating an enabling environment where women can thrive in all spheres of life,” she stated. ElectHer continues to champion women’s rights by addressing systemic issues and advocating for policies that support gender equality.

Conclusion

As Nigeria reflects on the outcome of the Edo State election, it is clear that more work needs to be done to enhance women’s participation in politics. ElectHer Nigeria remains at the forefront of this movement, working tirelessly to ensure that women have the resources, support, and opportunities to lead. By continuing to invest in women, Nigeria can build a more inclusive and equitable democracy for all.

Clrmentina Olomu