CurrentReport Blog Federal Capital Territory (FCT) senator, Ireti Kingibe, has underscored the urgent need for new legislation to ensure the inclusion of women in governance across Nigeria. Speaking on Arise Television on Sunday, Kingibe emphasized the significant role that women play in the economic development of countries where they participate actively in policy and decision-making.
Kingibe highlighted the persistent gender imbalance in political representation and called for reforms to mandate the inclusion of women in delegate selections. “In the parties you know, let me give you an example. When they ask for three delegates from each Ward, they’ll just bring male delegates. Immediately the parties say three delegates from each Ward, but one must be a woman, they’ll start to bring in the women,” she stated. Kingibe argued that embedding such requirements in law would compel political parties and government agencies to seek out and include competent women in governance.
Addressing the perception that women lack mutual support during elections, Kingibe pointed out a shift in this dynamic, asserting that there is now greater solidarity among women. “I know that I got a lot of support from women across board, across parties, across everything,” she remarked, reflecting on her own experience in politics.
In an effort to harness this growing awareness, Kingibe revealed her initiative to develop a nationwide database of women voters, aiming to leverage their collective power as a lobbying force. She believes that demonstrating the potential electoral impact of women could drive more significant changes in their representation.
Kingibe also critiqued the limited presence of women on election ballots, noting that even progressive parties like the Labour Party fall short in this regard. “Even as proactive as I expected Labor Party to be, out of a hundred and nine tickets, maybe only two or three were women,” she said. This lack of female candidates is a substantial barrier to achieving greater electoral success for women.
Women’s representation in Nigeria’s government remains minimal, with only four female senators currently serving. Kingibe’s call for legislative action aims to address this disparity and ensure that women have a more prominent role in shaping the future of Nigeria.
