Remi Tinubu Rallies Support For Increased Women Representation In West Africa

Nigeria’s First Lady, Senator Oluremi Tinubu, has rallied West African Female Parliamentarians to demand more representation in decision-making as well as parliament of member states of the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS).

Senator Tinubu gave the charge while declaring open a forum organised by ECOWAS Female parliamentarians Association (ECOFEPA) on Tuesday at the ongoing Second Ordinary Session of the ECOWAS Parliament (sixth legislature) in Abuja to mark the 25th anniversary of the ECOWAS Parliament.

Represented by Hajia Laila Barau, wife of the Nigeria’s Deputy Senate President and First Deputy Speaker of the ECOWAS Parliament, Jibrin Barau, Tinubu said the theme: “Advancing women’s proportional representation in governance” was apt and expressed the commitment of the Nigerian government to inclusive democracy and regional solidarity.

She lamented that across ECOWAS member states, women constitute more than half of the population yet, their representation in governance has historically fallen short of required numbers.

“I believe the ECOWAS Parliament is setting an agenda by convening this important forum,” she said, adding that President Bola Tinubu’s administration has recorded successes in the number of women appointed in key leadership roles.

She however assured that the 10th Nigerian National Assembly of Nigeria is working on the ‘Reserve Seat’ bill championing the ongoing discussion to introduce gender quota and other affirmative action measures to increase women representation in governance.

“The government is showing a willingness to confront structural barriers against women. The time for action is now and we must seize this moment to build a more equitable and just society. When women are present in government they are more likely to push policies that will reflect the needs of families. The next 25 years should be marked by concrete action,” she said.

Speaker of the ECOWAS Parliament, Rt. Hon. Memounatou Ibrahima, lauded the Nigerian government for the collective efforts to achieve the aspiration of women in the region.

The Speaker, who was represented by the Second Deputy Speaker, Adjaratou Traore, noted that the Parliament stands as the platform to enhance the status of women and a veritable ground to strengthen their representation and boost their capacity for their fulfillment.

Nigeria’s Minister of Women Affairs, Iman Suleiman, who was represented by Dr. Asabe Bashir, said that time has come to activate the successes of 1995 Beijing Conference and ensure that the 35% declaration in the Chinese capital for women representation in Governance and other important decision-making organs comes to fruition.

“Female parliamentarians’ are indispensable architects of sub regional development. As a country, Nigeria has made remarkable progress in different sectors with women continually breaking barriers.

“We are currently pushing for greater representation through the clamor for greater seats for women in elective positions and this initiative underscores our commitment to achieving gender parity in government. The significance of this push lies in formalizing the political empowerment of women,” she said.

The President of ECOFEPA, Veronica Sesay, lamented that West Africa continues to lag behind compared to other African regions in terms of female political representation.

“Majority of West Africa’s member states fall below the 35% benchmark with Nigeria having 6%, Ghana 14% and Sierra Leone 30%,” She stated.

Sesay, however, commended Senegal for reaching a landmark 42% in parliament, stressing that the country stands out due to the strong even quota laws, urging other member states to replicate this model.

She noted that the ECOWAS parliament currently has 23.6% of female representation; the highest since the establishment of regional assembly, adding that over the past 25 years the ECOWAS Parliament has steadily evolved into the cornerstone of participatory governance and a powerful voice for the collective aspiration of the people of West Africa.

“This anniversary is not only a moment to celebrate the progress we have made together but also an opportunity to reaffirm our dedication to be a region defined by inclusivity, genuine representation and effective governance. It is a call to strengthen our shared resolve and to envision a more unified and prosperous future for West Africa,” she said.

Chairperson of Conference of Nigerian Female Parliamentarians Association (CONFEPA), Bolaji Olagbaju, said the dialogue was a testament to more than two decades of regional unity, legislative collaboration, legislative dialogue and deepening integration within West African community.

“Parliament has become a beacon of cooperation, regional unity and advancing democratic principles and inclusive governance across West Africa,” Olagbaju noted.