During a program held in collaboration with the National Institute for Legislative and Democratic Studies (NILDS) and UN Women, Hon. Fakunle-Okieimen emphasized the need for increased political involvement from women. She called out the alarming gender imbalance that currently exists in the Nigerian political landscape. She urged constituents to actively support female participation in governance, underscoring that inclusive leadership is vital to sustainable development and democracy.
Fakunle-Okieimen expressed gratitude to Governor Biodun Oyebanji and his wife, Dr. Olayemi Oyebanji, as well as former Governor Kayode Fayemi and Erelu Bisi Fayemi for fostering her political journey. She commended the current administration for recognizing women’s contributions in governance, setting a precedent for gender inclusion.
Stark Gender Gap in Legislative Representation
Addressing the imbalance in female representation, Fakunle-Okieimen highlighted that Nigeria has only 48 women in legislative seats nationwide, with six serving in Ekiti State. She described the situation as disheartening, emphasizing the crucial role played by NILDS and UN Women in promoting female participation. Their ongoing support, especially for Ekiti’s six female lawmakers, was acknowledged as pivotal in the pursuit of political equity.
Fakunle-Okieimen applauded Governor Oyebanji’s proactive stance, characterizing his “he for she” approach as instrumental in amplifying women’s voices in governance. However, she warned that the low representation of women in politics weakens democracy and called for bolder measures to close the gap.
Proven Leadership, Persistent Barriers
Guest speaker Dr. Catherine Ikokor, representing NILDS Director-General Prof. Abubakar Sulaiman, addressed the systemic underrepresentation of women in Nigeria’s political space. Despite women demonstrating exceptional leadership abilities, their participation remains negligible. Nigeria’s female representation in the National Assembly stands at less than 10%, far below the levels seen in other African nations such as Rwanda and South Africa.
Ikokor argued that the absence of women from decision-making bodies erodes democratic integrity. She stressed that increasing female involvement is not merely an act of fairness but a necessity for the growth of inclusive governance structures.
Local Engagement and Legislative Advocacy
Fakunle-Okieimen detailed her efforts in legislative advocacy and community outreach. She emphasized her ongoing engagement with constituents, focusing on healthcare improvement and environmental initiatives. Among her achievements, she cited upgrades to the General Hospital in Iye-Ekiti and campaigns to promote environmental awareness in schools.
Traditional leaders and local officials lauded Fakunle-Okieimen’s performance. The Oniye of Iye-Ekiti, Oba Jonathan Agboola Oni, praised her representation, stating that she deserves re-election. Ilejemeje Local Government Chairman Pius Alaba Dada echoed this sentiment, recommending that her political career progress to higher offices.
Ekiti’s Leading Example in Gender Inclusivity
Her fellow lawmakers, including Hon. Mariam Ogunlade and Hon. Bosede Olowookere, recognized Fakunle-Okieimen’s contributions and noted that Ekiti State has the highest number of female lawmakers in Nigeria. They commended the state government for its commitment to gender inclusivity in both elective and appointive positions, calling it a model for other regions.
The consensus among the attendees was that Ekiti’s proactive stance on female political representation demonstrates the impact of inclusive governance and the need for continuous advocacy to maintain progress.
Conclusion
Ekiti’s leadership is setting a vital example in addressing gender imbalance in politics. However, sustained action is needed to expand female representation and strengthen democracy. Explore detailed documents and resources on gender inclusion strategies by visiting Genderpedia’s store.
