By Chinedum Treasure
Stakeholders have canvassed for more active role by the men in promoting women’s involvement in politics and leadership.
The call was made during a HeForShe Activity Leadership Forum organised by the Social and Integral Development Centre (SIDEC) in collaboration with the Nigeria Civil Society Situation Room and supported by the Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office (FCDO)
The forum brought together male spouses, community leaders, political actors, media practitioners and civil society representatives.
Participants emphasised that improving women political participation requires deliberate support from men in families, communities and political institutions.
They also discussed strategies for strengthening inclusive governance and expanding women political participation in Nigeria’s democratic space.
SIDEC’s Executive Director, Ugochi Agalaba Ehiahuruike, said the initiative was designed to encourage men to become active allies for women seeking elective and appointive political positions.
“The workshop specifically targeted male spouses and influential community figures who have the capacity to shape public attitudes and provide the necessary support that can improve women political participation across different levels of governance.
“The engagement also aimed to raise awareness about the value of women’s leadership and encourage men to support women as partners, fathers, community leaders and influencers,” she added
Ehiahuruike regretted that women who venture into politics often face social and cultural barriers that discourage their participation.
“While male aspirants are frequently praised and supported during political contests, female candidates, particularly younger women are sometimes criticised or subjected to negative labels that can undermine their confidence and well-being.
“Despite these challenges, many women have demonstrated competence and leadership in various sectors of society,” she said.
SIDEC boss cited the global achievements of Ngozi Okonjo-Iweala as an example of the impact women can make when given equal opportunities to lead and contribute to governance.
She urged participants to challenge the notion that women are responsible for the barriers they encounter in politics, emphasising that men must actively support their wives, sisters and daughters who aspire to leadership roles.
Also speaking, State Chairman of the Joint National Association of Persons with Disabilities (JONAPWD), Comrade Ugochukwu Okeke underscored the importance of inclusive politics, especially with regards to women political participation among persons living with disabilities.
Presenting a paper on political participation of women with disabilities, Okeke said democracy cannot be considered complete if certain groups remain excluded from decision-making processes.
He regretted that many women with disabilities still face major barriers even when legislation such as Discrimination Against Persons with Disabilities (Prohibition) Act, 2018 has strengthened rights protections.
He listed the challenges to include societal stigma, inaccessible public facilities and limited support from political parties.
Okeke called for deliberate measures to promote inclusion and strengthen women political participation, including improved accessibility in public and electoral facilities, enforcement of disability rights laws and leadership development programmes for women with disabilities.
“When women, including those living with disabilities are given equal opportunities to participate in governance, democratic institutions become stronger, more inclusive and truly representative of society,” he added.
