Stakeholders Push for Women's Political Equality in West Africa

At the West Africa Women’s Political Leadership Forum held in Abuja, stakeholders emphasized the urgent need for women's equal participation in governance, advocating for the implementation of the ECOWAS Presidential Declaration, stronger legal reforms, and sustained investment in women's leadership. Dr. Jide Okeke, Director of the Regional Programme for Africa at the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP), stated that women's political representation is crucial for rebuilding trust in democratic governance.

ECOWAS Vice-President Mme Damtien L. Tchintchibidja described women's political leadership as essential for both democracy and development, asserting that the region's future relies on the full participation of both genders.

Dr. Chantal Fanny, President of the ECOWAS Female Parliamentarians Association (ECOFEPA), urged women to embrace solidarity and mentorship. Ebere Ifendu, President of the Women in Politics Forum, called for practical implementation of commitments made at the forum.

Participants agreed that the ECOWAS Presidential Declaration should serve as a framework for expanding women's leadership and advancing inclusive development across West Africa.