The ECOWAS Female Parliamentarians Association has held its Spotlight Initiative with the theme: “Re-thinking Women’s Proportional Representation in Governance” at the Senate Alternate Chambers of the National Assembly Complex, Abuja.
Speaking at the event, the First Lady of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, Senator Oluremi Tinubu, noted that the President Bola Ahmed Tinubu administration has made significant progress in this regard, but barriers still exist, especially culturally and socially.
“These barriers include deeply entrenched societal norms, systemic discriminatory practices, structural issues within our political systems, and financial incapability,” she said.
“To achieve this across the board, we must be seen to walk the talk. For instance, our party, the All Progressives Congress (APC), has taken significant steps to remove financial barriers by making nomination forms for elective positions free at the grassroots level, ensuring that capable and qualified women can participate in the political process without the burden of prohibitive costs.”
Senator Oluremi Tinubu commended the Federal House of Representatives for its recent passage of a bill seeking 74 seats for women in the National Assembly in a bid to encourage more female participation in politics and governance.
“I believe that the leadership in the Senate is gender-friendly,” she said.
“Power is not served a la carte, just as my husband, President Bola Tinubu, said. You have to learn how to obtain power. You need older women to mentor you.”
“Education is the cornerstone of empowerment. By improving access to education for girls and women, we can equip them with the knowledge and skills necessary to participate effectively in political processes. Additionally, raising awareness about the importance of women’s representation in governance is crucial. Public campaigns, media engagement, and community programs can help shift societal attitudes and dismantle stereotypes that hinder women’s political participation.”
The Speaker of the ECOWAS Parliament, who is also the first female to occupy the position, Rt Hon Hadija Memounatou Ibrahimah, urged the First Lady of Nigeria to serve as the champion for better representation of women in governance in the region. She noted this is especially so with the commendable contributions to the issues of women and girls.
“Your Excellency, you transmit a kind of light that illuminates the leadership of Nigeria. It touches the lives of even the ordinary man,” she said.
“Women account for half of the population of ECOWAS member states. Only 17% are parliamentarians and 24% are ministers in the region. It is high time to reduce the underrepresentation of women in democracy.”
The Senate President, Senator Godwill Akpabio, who was represented by the Deputy Senate President, Jibrin Barau, stated that for the Senate, women’s participation in governance is a priority.
“We will redefine the power of women in governance,” he said.
After the session, the First Lady, Senator Oluremi Tinubu, in a nostalgic move, visited the newly renovated hallowed Red Chamber. She commended the leadership of the Senate.
The First Lady was a three-term Senator representing Lagos Central Senatorial District until 2023.
