Speaking at the International Legislative Dialogue on Women and Constitution Amendment in Nigeria in Abuja, Remi Tinubu emphasized the urgent need to break down barriers that limit women’s role in politics. Represented by Prof. Olufolake Abdulrazaq, First Lady of Kwara State and Chair of the Nigeria Governors Spouses Forum, she noted that while progress had been made, Nigerian women are still denied full participation in governance due to unfavorable policies.
Tinubu lamented that despite women’s significant contributions to the electoral process, their presence in government remains minimal, with few elected into the National Assembly. She stressed that without policy reforms and strategic efforts, gender inequality in politics will continue to slow Nigeria’s development.
Barriers to Women’s Political Participation
Tinubu highlighted that progress in women’s political inclusion has been slow due to persistent socio-cultural limitations. These structural barriers prevent the full integration of educated and capable female leaders into the political space. While some initiatives have been implemented, more effective policies are needed to advance women’s leadership in governance.
Mrs Remi Tinubu called for policies and legislation that actively promote gender equality, with an emphasis on affirmative initiatives to boost women’s representation. Tinubu remarked that the exclusion of half the population from decision-making impedes national growth and must be urgently addressed.
The Numbers Reveal Structural Gaps
Deputy Speaker of the House of Representatives, Benjamin Okezie Kalu, reinforced Tinubu’s concerns by pointing to the statistics from the 2023 elections. Of the 15,307 candidates fielded by 18 political parties, only 1,552 were women, reflecting significant disparities in political participation. Kalu noted that inclusive governance is more than an issue of fairness—it is essential for economic growth and collaboration across sectors.
He stressed that countries with strong female participation in decision-making processes experience better innovation and governance outcomes. The conversation during the legislative dialogue emphasized that Nigeria must confront these realities head-on through deliberate reforms.
A Strategic Shift Towards Inclusive Governance
Tinubu urged government leaders to adopt more gender-responsive policies to build a system that reflects the aspirations of all citizens. Expanding opportunities for women in leadership roles will not only enrich governance but also create a more equitable society. The dialogue emphasized that stakeholders in the public and private sectors must work together to create lasting solutions that support women’s participation in governance.
Conclusion
As Remi Tinubu has emphasized, Nigeria’s political system must open its doors to women for the nation to thrive. Legislative reforms and strategic collaboration are needed to overcome long-standing barriers and create a more inclusive future. To explore relevant documents on gender policy, equality initiatives, and political inclusion, visit genderpedia.ng/shop for insightful resources.
