Nigeria's Women: Underrepresented in Politics and Power

The article addresses the significant underrepresentation of women in Nigerian politics, noting that women constitute approximately 49.3% of Nigeria's population yet face systemic exclusion from political power. Nigeria ranks 180th out of 185 countries in global women's representation in parliament, with only 3.8% of seats occupied by women.

In contrast, Rwanda leads with 61.3%. Recent legislative changes in Sierra Leone have resulted in women winning 30.4% of parliamentary seats.

Despite the country's commitment to a minimum of 35% representation for women in political positions, actual figures fall short, with no women elected as governors since the return to civilian rule in 1999. The article cites Benjamin Kalu, Deputy Speaker of the House of Representatives, acknowledging the expectation of 64 women in the current assembly.

It calls for institutional mechanisms to empower women and ensure their representation, especially as Nigeria approaches the 2026 International Women's Day.