ECOWAS Calls for Reforms to Boost Women's Political Role

The Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS) has urged member states to implement accelerated political, legal, and institutional reforms to increase women's representation in governance. This call was made on Thursday at the West Africa Women’s Political Leadership Forum, themed “Accelerating Gender Parity in Political Leadership in West Africa: From Commitment to Action.” The forum aims to adopt the Abuja Regional Action Plan, which will serve as a roadmap for reforms to enhance women's political participation and achieve gender parity by 2035.

Damtien Tchintchibidja, the vice president of the ECOWAS Commission, emphasized the need for measurable reforms to overcome barriers preventing women's full participation in politics. Currently, women hold only 18.5 percent of parliamentary seats in West Africa, below the African average of 25 percent.

The declaration encourages member states to strengthen legal frameworks, reform political party nomination processes, and invest in women's leadership development. Ahunna Eziakonwa from the UNDP highlighted the ongoing challenges women face in political engagement.