ECOWAS Forum Aims to Boost Women's Political Power

The Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS) hosted a significant forum in Abuja, gathering ministers, parliamentarians, electoral commissioners, development partners, and women leaders to discuss women's political representation. This event followed the adoption of the Presidential Declaration on Strengthening the Representation of Women in Political Leadership by West African Heads of State in Freetown, Sierra Leone.

ECOWAS Vice President Damtien L. Tchintchibidja opened the forum, emphasizing its historical importance and the need for women's voices in governance.

She noted that women currently occupy only 15.5% of parliamentary seats in West Africa, which is below Africa's average of 25% and the global average of 26.5%. Despite women constituting over half of the region's population and contributing significantly to various sectors, they remain largely excluded from decision-making institutions.

Tchintchibidja argued that this imbalance undermines democracy and governance in the region.