As more African nations seek to encourage gender parity in government positions, some African countries are struggling to fully integrate women into the political sphere.

A member of the Economic Community of West African States’ (ECOWAS) Parliament has called for the full implementation of the 30% women representation at the regional body as enacted in the Supplementary Act on Enhancement of the Powers

The call is coming ahead of the symposium of the ECOWAS Female Parliamentarians Association (ECOFEPA) on Wednesday, October 2.

Adamawa State deputy governor, Professor Kaletapwa Farauta, has highlighted the growing need for female leadership to bring about significant change in Nigeria’s political landscape.

On March 14, 2024, rural women from communities in the Federal Capital Territory of Nigeria expressed concerns over women’s low inclusion in politics. The women lamented neglect and financial constraints as problems in assessing political and leadership positions. The outcome of the 2023 general elections is evidence of low women’s political leadership representation. The low participation of women in political leadership results in less development for the nation since not all capable human resources are utilised.

Women Aid Collective (WACOL) has charged political party executives to rally support for women participating in politics.

This was as the Non-Government Organisation (NGO) said it has empowerment about 18 political parties to sensitise stakeholders and community members on the need for women participation in politics.

Concerned stakeholders across the globe have commenced advocacies for improved participation and involvement of women in politics in Nigeria.

The stakeholders including UN women, National Institute for Legislative and Democratic Studies and some female politicians in Ebonyi State argued that Nigeria tends to grow better when a sizeable number of females are included in governance.