By Ijeoma Obioma and Dada Ahmed.
The October 5, 2024, Local Government elections in Benue State, North Central Nigeria, revealed a glaring imbalance: not a single woman was elected as a chairperson. Media reports highlighted this outcome, sparking concern and discontent among advocates of gender equality.
One such group, the Spring of Hope for the Girl Child Development Initiative (SHoGDI), was particularly vocal in its criticism. SHoGDI, a leading organization advocating for gender parity, expressed disappointment over the election results, describing them as a setback for women’s political representation.
Hajia Ramatu Mohammed, Senior Special Assistant to the Kogi State Governor on Youth and Women Mobilization, echoed these sentiments, calling the process “too bad” in terms of women’s participation and the resulting lack of female leadership.
SHoGDI’s Executive Director, Mimidoo Uhundu, emphasized the pressing need for a level playing field in Nigerian politics. She lamented the absence of female winners in the elections and underscored the importance of gender inclusivity in political representation.
“The outcome is a setback for gender equality,” Uhundu stated, highlighting the broader issue at stake. For her and many Nigerians, particularly women, gender equality goes beyond appointments; it involves creating genuine access for women to run for and win elective positions.
Gender balance in politics is essential for any modern democracy. It’s not just about appointing women to office; it’s about representing all segments of society. Studies show that women bring unique perspectives, often focusing on healthcare, education, and community development. Yet, despite their potential contributions, Nigeria has long struggled with female representation in political offices.
The case in Benue, where no woman emerged as a council chairperson, is just one of many instances where structural barriers have hampered women’s progress.
“Political parties should be deliberate about mainstreaming gender in their nominations to ensure female candidates are available for election,” Uhundu proposed as a solution.
Political scientists consistently emphasize that achieving gender parity in politics requires more than rhetoric. They argue that political parties must enact systemic changes to give women equal opportunities to contest elections. As the gatekeepers of Nigeria’s political system, these parties play a crucial role in shaping the path to leadership. By ensuring deliberate inclusion of women on candidate lists, they can help amplify female voices in governance.
Moreover, Nigerian political parties wield significant influence over who appears on the ballot. By prioritizing gender-inclusive nominations, they can open doors for women and ensure they have equal chances of securing leadership roles.
According to Uhundu, deliberate inclusion is key to providing female candidates with the visibility and credibility needed to earn voters’ trust.
Another essential step is the introduction of gender quotas within party policies, along with measurable benchmarks. The United Nations’ Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), particularly Goal 5 on gender equality, provide a roadmap toward achieving a more balanced political landscape. While some progress has been made, Nigeria has yet to fully embrace gender parity within its political system.
Political analysts argue that electing women goes beyond merely filling quotas. It’s about fostering diverse perspectives and harnessing the potential of half the population to ensure balanced governance and sustainable development. Around the world, women leaders have demonstrated their capacity to champion policies that improve healthcare, education, and community welfare—areas that directly enhance quality of life.
Development experts believe that Nigeria, as a developing nation, stands to gain from integrating more women into leadership roles. For them, this inclusion is not just a moral obligation but a strategic choice that could drive sustainable growth across all sectors of the country.
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