ECOWAS Adopts Declaration for Women's Political Inclusion

During a summit in Sierra Leone, ECOWAS Heads of State and Government adopted the Presidential Declaration on Strengthening the Representation of Women in Political Leadership in the ECOWAS Region. ECOWAS Vice President Damtien Tchintchibidja made this announcement at the West Africa Women’s Political Leadership Forum in Abuja, Nigeria, themed "Accelerating Gender Parity in Political Leadership in West Africa; From Commitment to Action." She highlighted that the initiative is part of ECOWAS's fiftieth anniversary legacy.

Tchintchibidja stated that women make up over half of West Africa's population but occupy only 15.5% of parliamentary seats, significantly below the African average of 25% and the global average of 26.5%. The Declaration aims to provide a framework for action, urging sustained engagement from Member States and all sectors of society to enhance women's political participation, which is crucial for the region's democratic strength and governance quality.