CONGRATULATIONS TO NIGERIA’S 7 FEMALE DEPUTY GOVERNORS,
1. Josephine Piyo-Plateau State
2. Dr. Ekou Eya Kenyi- Akwa Ibom State.
3. Dr. Ngozi Nma Odu- Rivers State.
4. Professor Kaletapwa Farauta- Adamawa State.
5. Hadiza Balarabe-Kaduna State
6. Noimot Salako-Oyedele-Ogun State.
7. Christiana Monisade Afuye- Ekiti State.
Women in governance in Nigeria have made significant strides in recent years, although there is still work to be done to achieve full gender parity. Here are some key points about women’s representation in governance in Nigeria:
Constitution and Legal Framework
Nigeria’s constitution does not explicitly guarantee gender equality, but it does prohibit discrimination based on sex. Additionally, Nigeria is a signatory to various international conventions and protocols that promote gender equality and women’s empowerment.
Representation in National Parliament
Women’s representation in the Nigerian National Assembly has gradually increased over the years, although it remains relatively low. Women hold about 6.7% of the seats in the Senate (Upper House) and around 4.5% of the seats in the House of Representatives (Lower House). Efforts have been made to increase women’s political participation, including the adoption of gender quotas by some political parties.
State and Local Government
Women’s representation in state and local governments varies across different regions of Nigeria. Some states have made progress in promoting women’s participation in governance, while others lag behind. Some states have implemented gender quotas for appointments to executive and legislative positions, which has helped to increase women’s representation at the local level.
Women in Ministerial Positions
Nigeria has had women serving in ministerial positions at the federal level. However, the number of women appointed to ministerial positions has generally been low compared to their male counterparts.
Women’s Political Empowerment Initiatives
Several organizations and initiatives in Nigeria are working to promote women’s political empowerment and increase their representation in governance. These include NGOs, women’s rights organizations, and gender-focused programs supported by international partners.
Challenges and Barriers
Women in Nigeria face various challenges and barriers to political participation, including cultural and traditional norms, limited access to resources and education, financial constraints, and gender-based violence. These factors contribute to the underrepresentation of women in governance.
Here is the link to the article about the 28 newly inaugurated governors in Nigeria
Written by: Oyekola Anuoluwapo
