Key Stakeholders Call for Greater Commitment and Action for Women’s Participation in Politics
Calabar, Cross River State (CRS) – The city of Calabar on December 5th, 2024, played host to an inspiring assembly of political stakeholders, women leaders, and advocates under the theme “Promoting Women’s Political Participation in Nigeria through the HeForShe Advocacy Platform.” The event underscored the transformative power of women’s inclusion in governance and politics. Organized by Interparty Advisory Council in collaboration with Gender and Development Action and He4She Platform with funding from UN Women, the event was attended by prominent figures from within and outside the State. Among these were the CRS Chairman of Inter-Party Advisory Committee (IPAC) Engr. Effiom Okon, IPAC Chairman in Bayelsa State, Hon. Simeon Imomotim Kariouru, Chief Solsuema Osaro, IPAC Chairman in Rivers State, Hon. Blessing Umo, IPAC chairperson In Akwa Ibom State, UN Women Program Associate for Governance and Participation, Folasade Folorunso and a host of others.
A Cross section of He4She Champions, leaders of political parties and IPAC members pose for a photo.
Speaking on behalf of UNwomen, Folasade Folorunso outlined the He4She Campaign core pillars to include advocacy, awareness, and action. She urged political parties to institutionalize reforms within their parties that promote women’s inclusion, and combat gender-based violence (GBV).
UN Women Program Associate for Governance and Participation Folasade Folorunso addressing participants.
Engr. Effiom Okon, IPAC Chairman in Cross River, emphasized the importance of women's political participation, describing it as necessary for sustainable development in Nigeria. He charged women to invest time, loyalty, and resources in their political ventures, and to understand what it takes to achieve their goals and political aspirations.
Engr. Effiom Okon, IPAC Chairman in Cross River delivering a goodwill message.
Contributing to the discussion, Chief Solsuema Osaro, the IPAC Chairman in Rivers State, emphasized the crucial role political parties play in empowering women, and urged political organizations to adopt progressive leadership structures, reminding stakeholders that, “Leadership is not static; it is dynamic.”
Hon. Simeon Imomotim Kariouru, the IPAC Chairman in Bayelsa State, acknowledged the State for the achievements and progress made with the appointment of four female commissioners and election of numerous female councilors and being on course to do more.
A cross section of participants at the event.
The event provided a platform for discussions on the barriers preventing women from fully engaging in politics. The SDP Chairman, Dr. Ambo Ekpenyong pointed out that many women hesitate to engage in party structures, stressing, “Power is not given; it is taken.” He urged women to view politics as a collaborative effort rather than a competition with men.
Other speakers, including Abegim Jonathan Ugbal of AAC, called for deliberate mentorship and strategic planning. According to him, “When you empower a woman, you save a nation,” The Chairman of the APC, Barr. Alphonsus Eba, who represented the Cross River State Governor, echoed this sentiment, urging Nigeria to “try the women” as he highlighted the success of female leaders in the state.
The discussions also addressed systemic obstacles to women’s participation. Dr. Lawrence Ekpo of CROSIEC advocated for legislative reforms to mandate women’s inclusion and stated that- “Political parties must amend their constitutions to allocate a percentage for women”. Similarly, Dr. Vicky Emah Emah called for fairness and a level playing field. She advocated a minimum of 40 percent representation for women in all political structures and urged stakeholders to reassess their strategies to achieve this goal.
Representatives of various women networks in Cross River State at the event.
A He4She Campaign Charter signed by representatives and heads of various political parties and gender equality advocates
In closing, as the road to 2027 and beyond unfolds, the He4She Advocacy Platform calls on all to unite in shaping a brighter, more representative future for women in Nigerian politics.