NAWOJ and SALTi Demand Women's Leadership Inclusion

The Nigerian Association of Women Journalists (NAWOJ) and the SALTi initiative are pushing for greater inclusion of women in leadership roles within Nigeria. During a conversation series held in Abuja, Dr.

Chichi Aniagolu-Okoy, the West Africa Regional Director of the Ford Foundation, emphasized that women currently hold less than five percent of parliamentary seats, despite constituting half of the population. She stated that excluding women from leadership spaces hinders national development.

Dr. Nkem Momah, founder of SALTi, noted the initiative's focus on building capacity and driving social change.

Chizoba Ogbech, NAWOJ's Vice President for Zone D, highlighted financial barriers and the weak implementation of party provisions for women's inclusion in leadership. The discussion underscored the need for structural changes to facilitate women's participation in politics, as current conditions limit their ability to run for office and secure party tickets.