National women leader of the All Progressives Congress (APC), Dr Mary Idele Alile, has said only five percent of Nigerian women hold political offices.
Alile stated this in her speech at the launch of “Project 774 Explode: Enhancing Gender Space In Politics,” held in Sokoto.
In a statement issued in Abuja she said Nigerians stand today at a crossroads – a pivotal moment in the nation’s history, where the path they choose will define the future they create.
The APC women leader highlighted that only five percent of women currently hold political positions in the country, calling for a transformative change.
Alile expressed gratitude to Governor Ahmad Aliyu of Sokoto State for his unwavering support and funding of the “Project 774 Explode” initiative.
The project aims to amplify women’s voices in politics and empower the next generation of female leaders.
She commended Governor Aliyu for his remarkable achievements within one year, including empowering women farmers, supporting vulnerable women and children during Ramadan, and providing skill acquisition training to adolescent girls.
The women leader also applauded President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, for his commitment to women’s empowerment, saying 19 percent of his cabinet consists of women, leading to a significant increase in the representation of women in key government positions.
She specifically commended the First Lady, Senator Oluremi Tinubu for her humanitarian disposition through the ‘Renewed Hope’ initiative, which has provided financial empowerment to vulnerable groups, including young female farmers.
Alile extended her gratitude to the national chairman of the APC, Dr Abdullahi Umar Ganduje, for his support of women’s causes. She emphasised that the time has come to rectify the gender imbalance in Nigerian politics and unlock the immense potential that lies in women’s full and equal participation.
“Women possess the same intellectual capacity, leadership skills, and commitment to public service as their male counterparts, and it is crucial to ensure their voices are heard and incorporated into the policy-making process,” she said.
Drawing inspiration from the 68th Session of the Commission for the Status of Women (CSW) in New York, Alile highlighted the urgent need to change the poor representation of women in government, where only five percent of women hold positions of power in Nigeria.
She called for affirmative action measures, such as comprehensive training and mentorship programmes to create tangible pathways for women to enter the political arena and compete on an equal footing.
Addressing the deep-rooted societal biases and systemic discrimination that hinder women’s political participation, Alile emphasised the importance of public awareness campaigns, enforcement of anti-discrimination laws, and promotion of gender-inclusive policies.
“By challenging patriarchal norms and creating a more inclusive political environment, Nigeria can pave the way for an era of transformative leadership,” she added.
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