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Tag: gender equality

  • Gender equality: Our views on reserved seats proposal

    Gender equality: Our views on reserved seats proposal

    Women across all sectors of the country continue to contend with  underrepresentation in leadership roles and decision-making processes. However, with the Reserved Seats for Women Bill (HB-1349) many expect a change in status quo, just as   students bare their minds on the issue. WONDERFUL ADEGOKE (UDUS) reports.

    • Students join the conversation

    The truth behind the long-overdue restructuring of our democratic terrain formed the thrust for the passage of the reserved seats bill for women.

    Prior to this, women across all sectors of Nigeria have been underrepresented in leadership roles and decision-making processes.

    It can be argued that social beliefs could have fueled the prejudice in time past. The truth about gender stereotypes, however bitter it is commonly said to be, doesn’t make it any less true if efforts are being made to bring down the legacy of systemic erasure.

    The data released from the Centre for Democracy and Development best captures this perception in its report about gender enterprise in terms of governance. It found that, between 1999 and 2003, only 2.8% of Senate seats and 3.3% of House seats were occupied by women.

    Fast forward to today, it also revealed a slight increase to 3.7% (four out of 109 Senators) at the National Assembly and 4.4% (16 out of 360 members) in the House of Representatives. The figures are not just statistics; they, instead, highlight a sobering decline from a shared national agenda: inclusion.

    An educated guess might indicate that if women are trusted to build families (the most vital unit of our society), being sidelined from our nation’s transition of leadership is a negative litmus test of Nigeria’s democratic conscience.

    For that reason, the legislature has been making efforts to build a level playing field. Made public in 2021, the Reserved Seats for Women Bill (HB-1349) seeks to amend the 1999 constitution to empower women in politics.

    Quite truthfully, the bill aimed to offer a 35 percent quota of political appointments to women. The proposal, sponsored by Rt. Hon. Benjamin Okezie Kalu, and supported by a few legislative officers, include: 74 additional seats in the National Assembly and 108 seats across state assemblies.

    Though commendable, the bill raises a thousand questions: should the law be enacted, what faith does it restore in the country’s ability to guarantee an equitable society?

    A student at  the Faculty of Law, Usmanu Danfodiyo University, Sokoto (UDUS), Maryam Umar, disclosed a personal interest in the bill, as it opposes the status quo of gender imbalance.

    Read Also: Court okays interim forfeiture of N213.2b 57 assets by Malami, sons

    Maryam said: “The bill was proposed to declutter the existing domination of political positions by men. It reflects the long standing patriarchal nature of the country, as women are left out not because they are incapable but because leadership is perceived to be for men and the only way to guarantee their presence is creating a chance for them not to have to compete with men.”

    Her statement highlights a corrective measure against the widespread concern for male-dominated party caucuses. Maryam wondered if party’s internal policies won’t dampen the fate of female candidates.

    Of its consequences, she told CAMPUS LIFE: “This would make outstanding women dismiss their aspirations before they even try.”

    Although news has it that the bill is a form of compromise, Maryam represents a group of students who seemed opposed to such speculations. For them, work only gets done when there’s a total overhaul of the system.

    “While the bill is a good development, unless these barriers limiting women’s participation are dismantled, progress will remain at surface level.”

    Just like Maryam, referencing Nigerian women known for their political contributions from pre-colonial to post-colonial era, Gladys Olivers, a law student at the University of Nigeria, believes the bill isn’t an offer for free rides, but one of the fastest way of checking the imbalance that keeps women out of politics.

    “It is totally pointless,” said Gladys, “arguing whether or not women have anything to contribute to society. Women play a great role in the making or marring of any system. The Nigerian political system is not an exception.”

    Hardly would anyone disagree with her opinion of women contributing their unique insights for better governance, with support from legislative leadership and advocates.

    Though this comes with her being uncomfortable with the luxury the bill presents. A concerned Gladys stated a looming crisis: “Patriarchy is no news in the Nigerian system. Colonisation of these seats is a close possibility.”

    Perhaps, an alternative could have been explored.

    “If truly they wanted an equal representation then, I think an amendment to include the balanced percentage of men and women to run in each house should be made instead of creating additional seats for women. Whichever way it goes, I hope the disease of patriarchy doesn’t attack this bill and render it useless,” she added.

    Gladys further stated what lies behind the bigger picture: compliance.

    She said:  “Many legal frameworks remain ‘legal-blind’ or lack effective implementation mechanisms for gender equality policies or quotas.”

    Notwithstanding, alongside sources who spoke with CAMPUS LIFE, the originator of the bill received plaudits for the bold approval and sought effective implementation.

    However, Muhammad Habibat, a student at Usmanu Danfodio University Sokoto(UDUS)  views the strength of the bill through a different lens. When asked about the kind of political representation that’s required given the current situation of the country, she shared reasons the bill does not offer much salvation.

    Habibat said: “Nigerian women do not merely need numerical representation; we need substantive and influential representation. Women do not need to be accommodated; they need to be empowered.”

    Her reasons are not far to seek.  “Representation should go beyond occupying seats to having real decision-making power, control over policy direction, and the ability to influence outcomes,” she added.

    She speaks of women who want to venture farther beyond being symbolic additions. Habibat agrees that women should be present at negotiation tables “as actors whose voices carry weight because any policy aimed at increasing women’s participation must challenge existing power structures, not quietly adapt to them.”

    This, she noted, should be the basis for women being trusted with leadership positions where their competence, ideas, and lived experiences shape governance.

    Speaking along that line, Adepoju, an Entrepreneurship student at Lead City University, Ibadan, questioned its cost of governance.

    Dismissing claims of costing no more than one percent of the national budget, she said it’s yet another chance to influence an already dwindling economy.

  • Nigeria needs $1.2bn to achieve gender equality – Minister

    Nigeria needs $1.2bn to achieve gender equality – Minister

    Hajiya Imaan Sulaiman-Ibrahim, Minister of Women Affairs, says Nigeria requires 1.2 billion dollars over the next five years to meet its gender equality and social inclusion targets for sustainable development.

    She said this during the Annual General Meeting and Founder’s Day of the League of Women Voters of Nigeria (NILOWV), on Friday in Abuja.

    Represented by her Special Adviser, Mrs Ola Erinfolami, the minister said the government was exploring blended finance, public-private partnerships, and impact investments to fund programmes that benefited women, children, and families.

    “We face a 1.2 billion dollars financing gap. Closing it requires bold partnerships and investment in women’s advancement,” she said.

    On the Reserved Seats Bill, Sulaiman-Ibrahim commended the National Assembly for supporting the move to increase women’s political representation, calling it a strategic investment in democracy and national progress.

    Also speaking, Dr Yahaya Abubakar, Etsu Nupe and Chair of the National Traditional Rulers Council, backed the bill, saying: “We urge all lawmakers at the national and state levels to pass this crucial legislation for inclusive governance.”

    Prof. Olufolake Abdulrazaq, Chairperson of the Nigerian Governors Spouses Forum, said mobilising support for the bill was essential for women’s full political participation ahead of the 2027 elections.

    Abdulrazaq was represented by Hauwa Halira, Director-General, Nigeria Governors Spouses Forum.

    “Nigeria’s next leap forward is only possible if women’s votes lead to seats of power.”

    Mrs Esther Udehi, NILOWV Founder, and Mrs Irene Awunah-Ikyegh, NILOWV President, urged grassroots advocacy to ensure widespread understanding and acceptance of the Reserved Seats Bill.

    Hajiya Aishatu Bura, President of the Nigeria Association of Women Journalists (NAWOJ), highlighted the media’s role in amplifying women’s voices and pushing for inclusive political discourse.

    “Women’s voices matter not only at the ballot box but in policy debates, the media, and public decision-making,” she said.

    The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that the event also featured a panel session on “Women’s Voices and the Politics of Inclusion: Leveraging Reserved Seats for Electoral Victory.”

    (NAN) 

  • Experts warn of setbacks to gender equality, human rights, SDG progress

    Experts warn of setbacks to gender equality, human rights, SDG progress

    With only five years remaining to meet the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) deadline of 2030, global experts are raising the alarm over an escalating wave of anti-rights and anti-gender ideologies that threaten decades of progress in gender equality, health rights, and inclusive development, issues that are already affecting countries like Nigeria.

    In a  warning during the SHE & Rights session at the ICFP 2025, gender justice advocates and health experts highlighted how political, religious, and conservative movements are reversing gains made in sexual and reproductive health, LGBTQIA+ rights, and gender-inclusive policies.

    Read Also: Nigeria presents 3rd SDG progress report at UN forum

    Director of CAISO: Sex & Gender Justice in Trinidad and Tobago, and a Senior Lecturer at the University of the West Indies, Dr. Angelique Nixon noted that

    “Gender equality and human rights are not optional.

    They are the only pathway toward sustainable development where no one is left behind.”

    According to Dr. Nixon, rising anti-gender sentiments are being pushed by global conservative alliances, particularly from the Global North, such as Agenda Europe and the World Congress of Families.

    These organisations, she said,

  • British envoy canvasses gender equality

    British envoy canvasses gender equality

    As Nigeria marks International Women’s Day 2025, the push for gender equality in governance has gained renewed attention.

    The Women Radio 91.7FM has pointed out the Special Seats Bill, a legislative initiative aimed at addressing the gender imbalance in Nigeria’s political representation.

    The bill seeks to allocate additional seats exclusively for women in the National Assembly and State Assemblies to enhance their participation in governance.

    British Deputy High Commissioner, Gill Lever OBE, speaking at Women Radio 91.7FM, described gender inclusivity as not only a moral obligation but a necessity for national development.

    She emphasised that women’s political empowerment is crucial for building a more just and prosperous society.

    The Special Seats Bill proposes 37 reserved seats in the Senate, 74 in the House of Representatives, and 108 in State Assemblies.

    Read Also: ActionAid Nigeria urges greater investment in women for gender equality

    Proponents argue that this measure will help correct historical inequalities and ensure that women have a stronger voice in policy making.

    However, a survey conducted by Women Radio 91.7FM revealed that many female politicians struggle with a lack of grassroots support, making it difficult for them to win elections.

    Despite these challenges, advocates believe the passage of the bill by the 10th Senate would mark a significant step toward bridging Nigeria’s gender gap in politics.

  • Advancing gender equality in Nigeria

    Advancing gender equality in Nigeria

     Sir: Gender equality is a fundamental human right, yet remains a significant challenge in Nigeria. Over the years, there have remained some key issues related to gender equality. These key issues ranges from limited access to education, economic empowerment, violence against women and so on.

    Girls and women face barriers when it comes to education, including early marriage, poverty and cultural norms. Their participation in the workforce is limited and they often face discrimination and unequal pay. Women often experience domestic violence, rape and other forms of violence which more often than not, go unpunished.

    In the political arena, women are underrepresented in decision making positions and leadership roles thereby making them insecure and not heard. In Nigeria, a female child often goes through harmful traditional practices, such as Female Genital Mutilation (FGM) and child marriage.

    On the whole, society sometimes forget to see the importance and significance of the female child. Yet, despite the cultural and societal challenges they face, girls and women play a vital role in Nigeria society.

    Female children are often seen as custodians of culture, responsible for passing down traditions, values and customs to future generations. They are often expected to maintain family ties and relationships, ensuring the continuity of family bonds and social cohesion.

    Nigerian women are known for their entrepreneurial spirit and female children can grow up to become successful business leaders, creating jobs and stimulating economic growth. They are often at the forefront of community development initiatives, driving social progress and improving the lives of those around them.

    Read Also: Jibril enthuses about  FIFA Talent Development Scheme in Nigeria

    They are many ways to promote gender equality in Nigeria.  From a national policy on gender to gender and equal opportunities bill, women’s empowerment initiatives and other initiatives geared at increased representation and awareness campaigns. All these are efforts that can be made towards the progress of gender equality.

    Addressing the challenges women face will require sustained efforts from governments, civil society organizations and individuals to promote gender equality and empower women and girls. We can work towards creating a more equitable society, where everyone has the opportunity to thrive.

    •Ernest Ransome Ofunama, IBB University Lapai, Niger  State.

  • Rising calls for gender equality in politics

    Rising calls for gender equality in politics

    As Nigeria strives for democratic progress, a growing movement is demanding greater gender equality in politics. Key figures from Nollywood, media, and entertainment are pushing for increased female participation, emphasising that women’s voices and leadership are crucial for building a more inclusive, representative and effective political system, reports Associate Editor ADEKUNLE YUSUF

    As the world continues to evolve, so do the calls for gender equality and the empowerment of women in all sectors of society. In Nigeria, the push for greater representation of women in politics is intensifying, as key stakeholders in sectors such as Nollywood, media and entertainment rally for change. The recent event titled Stronger Together: Special Seats for a More Inclusive Democracy, held recently in Lagos, gathered influential figures in these fields to advocate for the increased participation of women in political leadership.

    The event, organised by Kimpact (KDI), in collaboration with UN Women, and supported by the United Kingdom’s International Development and the Canadian Government, became a powerful platform to call for greater gender equality in Nigeria’s political arena. The message was clear: if Nigeria is to achieve true democratic progress, it must break free from its patriarchal traditions that have kept women marginalised in the political arena.

    In a nation where women make up more than half of the population, their underrepresentation in political decision-making has long been a concern. The event shone a light on the persistent challenges women face in securing leadership positions, despite their vast potential to contribute to the nation’s growth and development. Leading voices at the event, including theatre director and playwright Ifeoma Fafunwa, made it clear that the time has come for more systemic efforts to ensure that women occupy a larger share of political seats.

    The statistics shared at the event were sobering. Fafunwa, a seasoned theatre director and playwright, emphasised the alarming regression Nigeria has faced in terms of women’s political participation over the last decade. “We are the worst African nation in terms of women’s participation in leadership,” Fafunwa stated, pointing to the disturbing fact that despite global calls for gender equality, Nigeria has made little progress in empowering women to take on leadership roles.

    One of the most striking revelations came from Fafunwa herself, who expressed her disbelief upon discovering that Nigeria has actually moved backward in terms of women’s political representation. According to the event’s statistics, Nigeria ranks as the worst African country for women’s involvement in leadership roles. Fafunwa, who has long championed gender equality, voiced her profound concern over this troubling trend, emphasising that these statistics are not just numbers but represent missed opportunities. These lost opportunities deny the nation the chance to benefit from the diverse leadership styles and perspectives that women can bring to the table.

    Her words were powerful and echoed a growing sentiment among those in attendance: While the challenges women face – such as limited financial resources, time constraints and societal expectations – cannot be overlooked, these obstacles should not be used as excuses to block women from pursuing leadership roles. Instead, Fafunwa called on the government to enforce the 35% affirmative action policy for women’s inclusion in politics. This policy aims to ensure that a certain percentage of political positions are held by women, thus fostering a more balanced and equitable political environment. Fafunwa stressed the need for the creation of more political positions for women, suggesting that young women would be encouraged to aspire to political leadership if they saw more opportunities available to them. “Let’s create these positions, then the young women will start aspiring and working toward them,” she said, urging all stakeholders to support the effort. Furthermore, she emphasised the importance of leveraging the media to portray successful women in leadership roles. By doing so, the media could help shift societal attitudes toward women in power and inspire the next generation of female leaders.

    Read Also: Continental Hotels Group commits to gender equality

    The event’s discussions also underscored the role that media and entertainment can play in shifting public perception and inspiring future generations of women leaders. Obukome Ibru, a producer and politician, shared her thoughts on the power of storytelling. According to Ibru, the negative stereotypes that often surround women in politics could be addressed by encouraging directors to tell the stories of women who have successfully navigated the political landscape. By portraying positive stories of women in politics, the media could help break down the barriers that discourage other women from participating in politics. “We are going to encourage directors to tell the stories of women in politics who have done well,” Ibru said. “We’re going to portray the positive side of those stories so that other women can watch and understand, they can rise up, take positive steps, and participate without being looked down on.”

    Ibru’s words were met with nods of agreement from others in the room, including Nigerian stand-up comedian and actor Anita Asuoha, better known as Real Warri Pikin. Asuoha, who is widely recognised for her work in entertainment, pointed out that women are not seeking to dominate men in the political sphere, but simply asking for their fair share of representation. “We’re not even up to 10% in leadership; we need to be represented,” Asuoha said, urging content creators and writers to create works that resonate with the call for gender equality and inclusion.

    The role of the entertainment industry in transforming perceptions of women in leadership was a recurring theme throughout the event. Veteran actress and director Joke Silva weighed in on the importance of understanding the issues at the heart of the gender imbalance in politics. Silva, who has had a long and successful career in both acting and directing, pointed out that many stories told in films and TV shows sometimes reinforce patriarchal views about women. This, she argued, is because the writers, directors and producers may not always be aware of the unintended implications of their work.

    Citing examples from Nigerian films, Silva noted that women in these stories are often portrayed in ways that reflect societal biases. These portrayals can perpetuate the belief that women are less capable of holding leadership positions. “The writers do not know that is what they are doing. If they have information, then the story will change,” Silva explained, calling for a paradigm shift among stakeholders in the entertainment industry.

    This call for change was further reinforced by Adesuwa Onyenokwe, the publisher of Today’s Women magazine. Onyenokwe acknowledged that the push for constitutional amendments that would reserve more seats for women in parliament could be met with resistance. However, she argued that the quota system has proven successful in other parts of the world. She pointed to statistics from countries that had seen a significant increase in women’s representation in their parliaments after adopting a quota system. “Statistics have shown that nine out of the top 10 countries that have witnessed the highest growth in the number of women in their lower house, that’s an example of parliament, they have used quotas,” Onyenokwe said.

    While the costs associated with such a system might be seen as a drawback, Onyenokwe emphasised that these costs were nothing compared to the economic losses Nigeria continues to face by not having more women in leadership roles. “That money is nothing compared to the $90 billion that we are losing already by not having a house that is built where women and men have opportunities,” she added, underscoring the economic and social benefits of greater female representation.

    As the event drew to a close, it was clear that the battle for greater women’s participation in Nigerian politics is far from over. Adebo Ogundoyin, Chairman of the Conference of Speakers, pointed out that the percentage of women interested in politics is still relatively low, and that efforts must be made to increase this number. He urged women to continue organising and holding conferences, workshops and large gatherings with civil society groups, non-governmental organisations and politicians to keep the conversation going.

    “Are you having these conversations, or are we just having these seminars and then going home to relax? We have to inspire them because, on the day-to-day struggles, we will not be there with them,” Ogundoyin said, emphasising the importance of consistent action and support.

    He called for sustained action and engagement, encouraging women to organize conferences, connect with civil society groups, and engage with politicians to make their voices heard. Ogundoyin’s comments highlight the need for a broad, collective effort to encourage women to pursue political careers and to ensure that they are given the resources and support to succeed.

    As the event came to a close, the organisers united in their belief that the push for greater women’s participation in politics goes beyond gender equality; it is about creating a more inclusive, representative and effective political system in Nigeria. Speakers emphasised that women bring valuable perspectives, experiences and solutions that are crucial for the country’s progress. By advocating for policies that promote women’s involvement, using the media to highlight positive role models, and pushing for constitutional reforms, stakeholders said they are committed to laying the foundation for a more equitable and inclusive democracy in Nigeria where women and men have equal opportunities to shape the nation’s future.

  • ‘Gender equality pathway to socio-economic development’

    ‘Gender equality pathway to socio-economic development’

    Despite making up nearly half of the country’s population, most women in Nigeria are still excluded from political decision-making, economic opportunities and social privileges. TOBA AGBOOLA reports.

    Gender equality remains a distant dream for many Nigerian women who face discrimination and marginalisation in various aspects of life. This is often a result of discriminatory laws, low levels of education, religious and cultural norms, gender stereotypes, among others.

    Hitherto in Nigeria, the issue of gender had always been conceptualised within the general frame of male and female.

    Despite all these obstacles, some individual women have pushed through to hold key leadership positions in Nigeria, often to great acclaim and the benefit of the society at large.

    Experts are of the view that playing field should be levelled to maximise the development of women in all spheres where they have been historically excluded and discriminated against.

    Many civil society organisations , unions and international body such as UNI Global are also pushing for policy reforms and social change.

    These efforts have led to increased awareness and engagement around gender issues. Despite all these efforts, experts believe that much work remains to be done.

    They said Nigerian women require concrete support and solidarity to overcome the structural barriers that prevent them from achieving their full potential.

    They said investing in women is investing in the very fabric of society, saying that no nation can truly thrive if women are left behind.

    Speaking at the training  on woman equality organised by the Shop and Distributive Trade Senior Staff Association SHOPDIS, with the supports of UNI Global, held in Lagos, the Coordinator, Commerce, Finance, Gaming, Youth, UNI Global, Mrs  Lebogang Keabetswe, said the world, most especially Africa, is falling short of achieving gender equality,  calling for immediate global action to address the gaps.

    She emphasised the UNI Global’s dedication to bolstering women’s resilience and professional development.

    She further elaborated on UNI Global’s  focus areas, including evidence-based advocacy, economic empowerment, capacity-building programmes, policy advisory support, and technical assistance to government and relevant stakeholders to advance gender justice and women’s empowerment.

    She explained that the collaboration with SHOPDIS and other unions would focus on promoting gender equality, protecting the girl- child, and also promoting the development, well-being, and health of the youth, considering the limitations they face.

    Read Also: Fed Govt seeks adoption of gender equality in workplace policy

    The National  President of SHOPDIS, Comrade Azeez Ajibola,  said Nigeria is still far behind on the issue of gender equality.

    He highlighted gender inequality as a critical barrier to Nigeria’s advancement. Ajibola  argued that the underrepresentation of women, who make up almost half of Nigeria’s population, in political, economic, and social arenas has been detrimental to the nation’s development.

    He said:  “Integrating women into the political and economic mainstream is essential for the country’s long-term development. “The continued marginalisation of almost half of the population is a disservice to the nation. It’s time we bring this substantial segment into the fold of national life”.

    He said men should not see women in leadership position as a threat, rather they should be encouraged.

    The Acting General Secretary of the union, Comrade Olanrewaju Ganiyu, said it is high time women took their rightful position in  Trade Unionism.

    He said President Bola Ahmed Tinubu is trying to balance the inequality in the women inclusion, but lots still needed to be done

    “ President Tinubu is trying to involve more women in his government, but he still needs to do more because the gap is still much.

    As for the 1st Deputy President of the union, Comrade Clifford Obanor , women are coming up to take up their rightful position in the society.

    He said any woman that is seen as capable should be given the opportunity to lead.

    “ Look at the case of Mrs Okonjo- Iweala. She is a very good example. When they realised that she is capable of turning things around, they gave her another opportunity. That is the way it should be,” he said.

    He emphasised that her equality should also be addressed through the legislative means.

    “The Gender and Equal Opportunities Bill serves as a legislative vehicle to drive the agenda for a more inclusive society. Gender inequality is a major hindrance to our progress, affecting not only democracy but also our socio-economic growth, which should be the ultimate goal of any democratic syster,” he said.

    Recently, the Social Science Academy of Nigeria (SSAN) called on the 10th National Assembly to prioritise the passage of the Gender and Equal Opportunities Bill, emphasising its importance to Nigeria’s overall progress.

    Introduced in 2006 by the Federal Ministry of Women Affairs and Social Development with backing from multiple regional and international organisations, the bill has faced repeated setbacks, the most recent being its rejection by the 9th Senate, citing conflicts with the religious and cultural beliefs of a majority of Nigerians.

    Speaking at the 2024 distinguished public lecture hosted by the Academy in Abuja, Prof. Antonia Simbine, Director General of the Nigerian Institute of Social and Economic Research (NISER), highlighted gender inequality as a critical barrier to Nigeria’s advancement. Simbine argued that the underrepresentation of women, who make up almost half of Nigeria’s population, in political, economic, and social arenas has been detrimental to the nation’s development.

    She remarked, “Both men and women should be able to engage with the government they elect. The Gender and Equal Opportunities Bill serves as a legislative vehicle to drive the agenda for a more inclusive society. Gender inequality is a major hindrance to our progress, affecting not only democracy but also our socioeconomic growth, which should be the ultimate goal of any democratic system.”

    Simbine added that a democracy that fails to improve prosperity and overall well-being is not fulfilling its purpose. She stressed that the bill aligns with the United Nations’ Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), which prioritize gender equality and women’s empowerment.

  • Specialist advocates GESI’s mainstreaming in govt communication

    Specialist advocates GESI’s mainstreaming in govt communication

    A gender equality and social inclusion specialist, Ejiro Okotie, has said Gender Equality and Social Inclusion (GESI) should mainstreamed in government communication.

    She spoke at a two-day communication strategy review workshop for Information and Public Relations Officers in Ebonyi state.

    The workshop, held in Abakaliki, was organized with the support of United States Agency for International Development (USAID) Nigeria State Accountability, Transparency and Effectiveness (State2State) Activity.

    Ejiro, speaking about the topic:’Understanding GESI mainstreaming in communication’, urged them to avoid stereotype and bias reportage.

    She advised Information and Public Relations Officers to promote positivism by deploying empowering narratives technique in their reports.

    A State2State Communication Specialist, Nneka Acholonu Egbuna said the workshop was to look into how information officers have been able to use the communication strategy adopted in the state since 2020 to discharging their duties.

    She said the Ebonyi State Communication Strategy was co-developed by government and stakeholders to improve communications between State Ministries , Departments and Agency officials and citizens for the purpose of strengthening state government responsiveness to the needs and priorities of its citizens.

    Read Also: Fed Govt seeks adoption of gender equality in workplace policy

    She said the workshop is aimed at further improving the effectiveness of the flow of information between the government and it’s citizens in Ebonyi State and to ensure continued improvement in governance communication strategy.

    Permeant Secretary, Ministry of Information and Orientation, Mrs Patricia Nwobashi thanked State2State for partrnering Ebonyi, saying the state has benefited a lot.

    The Director of Information in the Ministry of Information, Mr. Anya Nkama, said the presence of State2State in Ebonyi has helped in developing working documents which have been guiding Information and Public Relations Officers in handling reputation management.

    This he noted has made them active participants in the feedback mechanism which has inturn helped the government to be more responsive to the needs of the people.

    One of the participants and Public Relations Officer in Ebonyi State House of Assembly, Mr Egede Sylvester said the workshop has actually repositioned them on how best to carryout their jobs and thanked the USAID Nigeria State2State for the opportunity given to them.

    Sessions included good practices for audience engagement on social media, and review of results achieved by Information and Public Relations Officers in using the strategy.

  • First Lady to political stakeholders: ensure gender equality

    First Lady to political stakeholders: ensure gender equality

    The First Lady of Nigeria, Senator Oluremi Tinubu, yesterday challenged political office holders to walk the talk on gender equality.

    She however lauded the House of Representatives for initiating a bill seeking to give women 70 of the 360 seats in the House. The Bill passed second reading already.

    Mrs. Tinubu spoke at the spotlight initiative of the ECOWAS Female Parliamentarians Association (ECOFEPA), held at the alternate Chamber of the Senate in Abuja.

    According to her, it is critical to address and overcome the persistent gender disparities in the country’s political systems.

    “To fully achieve this across board, we must be seen to walk the talk,” she said.

    The First Lady also noted that the All Progressives Congress (APC) has taken significant steps to remove financial barriers by making nomination forms for elective positions free at the grassroots, to ensure that capable and qualified women can participate in the political process without the burden of prohibitive costs.

    She however said that after years of advocacy without desired results, legally-backed enforcement may be needed to change the narratives.

    She added: “While quota and education are essential, enforcement of these measures is equally critical. Governments must put in place robust mechanisms to ensure compliance with gender quotas. This includes legal frameworks and monitoring systems that hold political parties accountable.

    Read Also: First Lady urges women to seek power, promote gender equality

    “Constitutional amendments may also be necessary to enshrine gender equity in political representation. Such amendments would provide a solid legal foundation for women’s adequate representation, ensuring that gender equity is not just a policy preference, but a constitutional mandate.

    “The journey towards achieving 30 per cent women representation in our parliament is achievable once we take the bold step to kick start the journey to an enduring democracy of quality representation.

    “I commend the House of Representatives for passing the Bill seeking to reserve 70 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, and I urge the 10th National Assembly to give women the necessary support.

    “Nigerian women are smart and intelligent and can work alongside our male counterparts without friction for the good and development of our country.”

  • NEITI, NiDCOM collaborate to promote women, gender equality

    NEITI, NiDCOM collaborate to promote women, gender equality

    The Nigeria Extractive Industries Transparency Initiative (NEITI) and the Nigeria in Diaspora Commission (NiDCOM) have agreed to establish an inter-agency cooperation to promote the career advancement of women in the two organizations.

    The Executive Secretary of NEITI, Dr. Orji Ogbonnaya Orji, and the Chairman of NiDCOM, Hon Abike Dabiri-Erewa agreed on the partnership at the NEITI House, Abuja at this year’s Women’s Day celebration.

    The inter-agency cooperation will cover capacity-building programmes, environmental, gender, and social-economic development challenges that frustrate women’s career advancement in public service.

    In his opening speech, the NEITI Executive Secretary, Orji described Women’s Day as a very important annual event for NEITI to join the rest of the World to highlight, identify and celebrate the valued contributions of women to national development generally and the Extractive Industries in particular.

    Deputy Director/Head Communications & Stakeholders Management, Mrs. Obiageli Onuorah made this known in a press statement yesterday.

    Read Also; I didn’t do BBL because I was scared of death – Tolanibaj

    The statement quoted Orji as saying: “It is a day to advocate for equity, inclusivity, gender justice, wider opportunities for women in the oil, gas and mining sectors in the areas of job opportunities, career advancement and security in the work environment”.

    The NEITI Executive Secretary underlined that the global Extractive Industries Transparency Initiative (EITI) standards particularly require implementing countries including Nigeria to promote greater diversity in decision-making, document and publicly disclose women’s participation, gender, social, and environmental issues in the extractive Industries.

    The goal of EITI Reports he added was to highlight the risks that women are confronted with in rural host communities where oil, gas and mining exploration activities take place, document such risks and the remedy required.

    Orji lamented that information and data from the NEITI Industry Report on women’s participation in the Extractive Sector remain quite discouraging and far from the national average. For instance, the 2021 Oil and Gas Industry Report employment data from 56 out of 70 oil companies disclosed that out of 19,171 employees, 15,639 or 82% are men while only 3,532 or 18%) of the employees are women. The disclosure is far from the national average of 35%. From the same gender balance data, all top high-level management positions in the industry are dominated by men.

    Dr. Orji announced that to reverse this negative trend through deliberate advocacy and engagements, NEITI under his leadership has deliberately created a Gender and Environmental Unit in the Policy, Planning & Strategy (PPS) Department. This Unit is set up to ensure women’s inclusion in extractive governance and EITI processes and report on the gender distribution and participation in the extractive sector issues.

    Addressing the special forum, the special Guest of Honour and Chief Executive of Nigeria in Diaspora Commission, Hon. Abike Dabiri-Erewa advised career women in public service to cultivate the culture of self-confidence, invest in self-education and skills development, discipline, integrity hard work, professionalism and passion to create public value in any given assignment. She advised all career women in public service to place priority attention to family above all other choices.

    Abike Dabiri explained that the inter-agency cooperation and partnership will help document and mobilise professional Nigerian career women in the Diaspora, especially from 57 EITI member countries to contribute in diverse ways towards national development.

    On the current Japa syndrome that pushes Nigerian youths in search of green pastures in foreign lands, Hon Abike Dabiri-Erewa advised those wishing to move abroad to seek adequate information and guidance warning that life abroad could be worse and more difficult than challenges at home.

    High-profile women in top positions from ministries, departments and agencies, the media, and civil society joined NEITI women to mark the day with inspiring speeches.