As Nigeria marked 64 years of independence, the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS) Woman & Youth Ambassador, Sonnia Agu, emphasized the crucial role women play in shaping the nation’s future. Speaking at the second Inter-Party Advisory Council (IPAC) policy roundtable in collaboration with the Westminster Foundation for Democracy (WFD), Agu highlighted the importance of inclusive democracy for national progress.
A Vision for Representation
With the theme, “64 years of independence, inclusive democracy, and options of special seats for women,” Agu recalled her experience in The Gambia in 2015, where legislation mandated that 30% of women and youths must be represented in governance. She envisioned a similar framework for Nigeria, suggesting that implementing such representation could address many pressing issues facing the nation.
Agu, who is also the founder and CEO of The Sapio Club and G1st International Foundation, stated, “Imagine if we have such a thing in Nigeria where every political party or cabinet members have 30% representation of women and youths. Then we would have solved most of the issues.”
Key Recommendations for Inclusive Democracy
In a communiqué signed by IPAC Chairman Yusuf Dantalle and National Secretary Maxwell Mgbudem, several recommendations were made during the roundtable to promote gender inclusivity:
- Support for Special Seats: Commendation of the National Assembly for introducing the Constitution Alteration Bill for Special Seats for Women, sponsored by Deputy Speaker Benjamin Kalu. This Bill seeks to amend the 1999 Constitution to provide seat reservations for women in the National and State Assemblies.
- Visibility for Marginalized Groups: The need for deliberate measures to ensure the representation of marginalized groups, including women, minorities, and people with disabilities.
- Decentralization of Power: Advocating for decentralizing power to lower levels of government, allowing for greater involvement and control from the populace.
- Deliberative Democracy: Encouraging wider participatory processes that bring diverse perspectives into decision-making, leading to equitable policies.
- Inclusive Party Structures: Ensuring party leadership and decision-making bodies reflect equal representation of women and men.
- Candidate Quotas: Political parties should adopt policies to implement candidate quotas, ensuring a certain percentage of candidates are women.
- Capacity Building: Investing in leadership training, financial resources, and networking opportunities to support female politicians.
- Temporary Special Measures: Implementing measures to reserve women-only seats in politics to create a level playing field in a skewed environment.
- Collaborative Efforts: Encouraging partnerships among stakeholders, including civil society organizations and political parties, to promote inclusive democracy.
- Addressing Obstacles: Identifying and addressing cultural, social, and educational barriers that hinder women’s political participation.
Moving Forward
Agu’s call to action underscores the urgent need for a structured approach to inclusivity in Nigeria’s political landscape. By fostering an environment that encourages women’s participation and representation, Nigeria can pave the way for a more equitable and prosperous future. The roundtable highlighted a collective vision to empower women and ensure that their voices are heard in the nation’s decision-making processes.
With the support of various organizations and a commitment to addressing existing barriers, Nigeria has the opportunity to enhance women’s participation in politics and governance, ensuring that the country’s progress is truly inclusive.