Women activists have strongly condemned the exclusion of women from key government positions in Nigeria, calling it a form of political violence. They argue that this exclusion not only silences stronger voices against issues like rape and gender-based violence but also perpetuates gender inequality.
This sentiment was shared during a media dialogue organized by Stand to End Rape in collaboration with the State Ministry of Women Affairs. The event, which was part of the 16 Days of Activism Against Gender-Based Violence, aimed to promote increased female participation in politics and decision-making processes.
Mrs. Edema Irom, the Commissioner for Women Affairs in the state, highlighted that women continue to suffer from socio-political neglect. She emphasized that women are often denied equal opportunities to compete in leadership roles, despite being intellectually capable and possessing superior administrative skills in many cases.
She called for greater inclusion of women in decision-making bodies, including political parties, government offices, multinational organizations, and other key sectors. Irom stressed that the fight against gender-based violence (GBV) would be more effective if women had a stronger presence in positions of power.
“95% of GBV victims are women. Having women in decision-making roles can significantly reduce GBV by ensuring proper enforcement and accountability,” she said. “We need more women in governance.”
Irom also encouraged women to stop waiting for positions to be handed to them, urging them to actively prepare for elections. “Women must not just participate, but work hard to win,” she said, calling for sustained advocacy for women’s inclusion in leadership roles.
She proposed that one of the three senatorial seats in the state should be reserved for women by law, and that no fewer than two seats in both state and federal constituencies should be reserved for women, separate from those women may win through elections. She also called for the strict implementation of the 35% affirmative action policy.
While advocating for the empowerment of women, Irom cautioned against accepting “special seats” as a form of tokenism. She strongly urged women to purchase their own nomination forms rather than relying on favors.
Mercy Akpama, a member of the House of Assembly representing Yakurr state constituency, echoed Irom’s sentiments, pointing out that women have the same intellectual abilities as men and, in many cases, possess even greater advantages. She noted that women make up a larger portion of the population and should leverage this to ensure their inclusion in political decision-making.
Akpama urged women to no longer be treated as “extras” or “substitutes” in the political sphere and emphasized the importance of continuing the fight for equal representation.
Barrister James Ibor, principal counsel at Basix Rights Counsel Initiative, reminded the women that power is not given easily. “No one will hand over power to women. You have to fight for it,” he stated. Ibor also criticized practices in parts of Cross River State where women are denied rights to land and property, asking, “What kind of democracy denies women basic rights?”
Husseini Mohammed, the program officer for Stand to End Rape, spoke on the Special Seat Bill currently before the National Assembly, which seeks to increase the number of seats for women in government beyond the 35% affirmative action target. He also warned that women’s economic power is diminishing, which makes political representation even more urgent.
