Nigeria’s future depends on harnessing the talents and perspectives of all its citizens. However, for too long, women have been systematically excluded from leadership and decision-making roles. This exclusion has hindered national development and contributed to policies that fail to address the diverse needs of the population. To build a truly inclusive and prosperous nation, Nigeria must prioritize gender-inclusive leadership and create policies that ensure fair representation at all levels of governance.
The State of Gender Inclusion in Nigeria
Women remain severely underrepresented in Nigeria’s political landscape. Out of 109 senators, only four are women—less than 4%. The House of Representatives paints a similarly bleak picture, with women occupying a mere 14 of the 360 seats. This stark gender imbalance means that critical issues affecting women are often overlooked or inadequately addressed.
When women are absent from decision-making spaces, policies often fail to reflect their needs and priorities. Take maternal healthcare, for example. Nigeria has one of the highest maternal mortality rates in the world, yet policies to address this crisis are insufficient. With so few women in power, who is advocating for improved healthcare access, maternity protections, and reproductive rights? Gender-inclusive leadership is not just about fairness—it’s about making informed decisions that benefit the entire population.
Societal and Cultural Barriers to Women in Leadership
The underrepresentation of women in leadership is not merely a political issue—it is deeply rooted in societal and cultural norms. Traditional gender roles, which often confine women to domestic responsibilities, continue to limit their participation in politics and public life. Some of the barriers include:
- Patriarchal Norms: Many Nigerians still believe that leadership is a male domain. Women who express political ambitions are often met with resistance, skepticism, or outright hostility.
- Economic Disparities: Campaigning for office requires significant financial resources, which many women lack due to unequal economic opportunities.
- Violence and Intimidation: Women in politics frequently face harassment, threats, and even violence, discouraging them from running for office.
- Limited Access to Networks: Political success often depends on connections and mentorship. Many women are excluded from these circles, making it harder to gain influence.
Addressing these barriers requires a collective effort to challenge outdated norms, promote gender equality, and create a more supportive environment for women in leadership.
The Imperative of Gender Inclusive Leadership
Diversity in leadership leads to more balanced and effective governance. When women are at the decision-making table, they bring unique perspectives and experiences that result in more inclusive policies. Research has consistently shown that gender-diverse leadership contributes to:
- Improved Policy Outcomes: Policies related to healthcare, education, economic development, and social welfare are more comprehensive when women participate in their formulation.
- Stronger Economic Growth: Countries that invest in women’s leadership experience higher levels of economic prosperity. Women reinvest in their families and communities, driving overall development.
- Enhanced Democratic Governance: A government that reflects the diversity of its population is more legitimate and responsive to citizens’ needs.
Policies for Inclusion: Where Does Nigeria Stand?
While Nigeria has taken some steps toward gender inclusion, much remains to be done. Existing policies have fallen short in ensuring meaningful representation for women.
The National Gender Policy
Nigeria’s National Gender Policy was designed to promote gender equality in leadership and decision-making. However, implementation has been weak, and progress has been slow. Despite policy commitments, the country continues to lag behind in achieving gender balance in governance.
The Gender Bills
The National Assembly has repeatedly failed to pass gender-focused bills aimed at increasing women’s political participation. These bills, if enacted, could have:
- Reserved a percentage of legislative seats for women.
- Guaranteed better representation in executive positions.
- Provided greater legal protections against discrimination.
The rejection of these bills sends a discouraging message about Nigeria’s commitment to gender equality and highlights the urgent need for stronger advocacy and political will.
Actionable Steps Towards Gender Equality
Achieving gender-inclusive leadership in Nigeria requires concrete steps at multiple levels—legal, educational, and societal. Here’s how the country can move forward:
Legal and Constitutional Reforms
- Enact laws that mandate a minimum quota for women in political offices.
- Strengthen anti-discrimination laws to protect women from political harassment and violence.
- Ensure equal access to campaign funding and resources for female candidates.
Education and Awareness
- Integrate gender equality education into school curriculums to challenge harmful stereotypes from an early age.
- Provide leadership training and mentorship programs for young girls.
- Conduct awareness campaigns to change societal perceptions of women in leadership.
Amplifying Voices and Building Alliances
- Support female candidates through funding, networking, and advocacy.
- Encourage women to vote for other women to strengthen solidarity and representation.
- Engage male allies who can use their influence to promote gender inclusive leadership policies and challenge biases.
Conclusion: Towards an Inclusive Nigeria
The road to gender inclusive leadership in Nigeria is not without challenges, but the benefits far outweigh the obstacles. By implementing legal reforms, investing in education, and amplifying the voices of women in leadership, Nigeria can build a more equitable and prosperous society.
When women lead, policies become more inclusive, economies grow stronger, and communities thrive. The time for change is now—Nigeria must embrace gender-inclusive leadership to shape a future that truly represents all its people.