Nigeria's Female Political Representation Declines to 4.4%

In Nigeria, the political landscape is witnessing a troubling decline in female representation, with women's participation in the legislature falling sharply to 4.4% after the 2023 general elections, down from 6.4% in 2011. This decline raises urgent questions about democracy and representation in Africa's largest country, which has a population of approximately 200 million.

The African Women Leadership Organisation (AWLO) has issued a strong statement highlighting the risk of Nigerian democracy becoming increasingly exclusionary without immediate corrective measures. Dr.

Elisha Attai, founder of AWLO, emphasizes that Nigeria has reached a critical moment where progress cannot be achieved without the voices and visibility of women. Despite women's dominance in various sectors such as commerce, academia, and civil society, political power remains concentrated in male hands.

The article underscores the need for practical actions to ensure women's participation in politics, moving beyond mere rhetoric to create tangible opportunities for female leaders.