Enugu NGO Advocates for Women's Seats in Traditional Cabinets

The Women Empowerment Education and Peace Building Initiative (WEPBI) has called on the Enugu State Government to reform traditional laws to ensure women's inclusion in royal cabinets and the Traditional Rulers Council. Oguadimma Joy, Executive Director of WEPBI, made this call during a policy co-creation and validation workshop on women's statutory representation in traditional cabinets, organized under the Renewed Women’s Voice and Leadership-Nigeria (RWVL-N) project with support from Global Affairs Canada.

Joy stated that traditional councils have historically excluded women despite their significant roles in community leadership. She advocated for the transition from advocacy to formal policy implementation.

Samuel Asadu, Chairman of the Enugu State Traditional Rulers Council, supported women's inclusion, asserting it would enhance community participation and conflict resolution. Obiajulu Ugwu, Deputy Chief Whip of the Enugu State House of Assembly, emphasized the need for laws guaranteeing women's representation in traditional councils.