Stakeholders at the Female Legislators Constituency Outreach have emphasized the need for greater women’s participation in politics, calling for systemic changes to address the barriers faced by women aspiring to political office.

The event, organized by Women Active in Politics (WAP) in collaboration with the National Institute for Legislative and Democratic Studies, highlighted key obstacles including cultural norms, economic challenges, and societal expectations.

Speaking at the event, Dr. Efe Anaughe, President of the Warien Rose Foundation and Convener of WAP, identified patriarchal structures and economic disempowerment as major hurdles.

According to Anaughe, “Nigeria is a patriarchal society, and women often lack the financial means to enter politics. There is also a mindset that sees women primarily as homemakers. Changing this perception is crucial for progress.”

Dr. Anaughe noted that the legislative process requires numbers. With disproportionate representation in the Lagos State House of Assembly—only four women out of 40 members—passing bills favorable to women becomes difficult unless male allies support them. Political parties and the government must be intentional in supporting women, including providing financial empowerment.

“But more importantly, the woman herself should believe in herself. The major challenge is that a lot of women don’t even think they can do it because of societal expectations and the roles they have been placed in,” Anaughe added.

Highlighting some barriers hindering women in politics, Honorable Stella Foluke Osafile, a member of the Lagos State House of Assembly, stated that fear, finances, culture, and religion are significant obstacles. Osafile said, “Women should not fear politics; it is like any other profession. We must actively engage and work for what we want, as it will not be handed to us.”

Urging women to focus on gender-based issues, Honorable Osafile said, “We need policies that reflect our population makeup, which is nearly 50-50 between men and women.”

Emphasizing the need for combining masculine and feminine forces to foster holistic development, Dr. Lemmy Omololu Omoyinmi, Business Development Director, EMPRETEC-UNCTAD Nigeria, said, “Women have what it takes to lead. We have examples like the Prime Minister of Barbados, who has set a standard for others. Inclusiveness is the natural order, and it is vital for the growth of our society.”

“However, to whom much is given, much is expected in terms of personal development, character development, and being altruistic in every sense. Women must develop themselves to be free of vices because a woman should be the symbol of passion and be able to show compassion. Any form of limitation is an imposition and a minus. That does not advance inclusiveness; everything that nature teaches us is about inclusiveness. Everyone has a right to play their part on this planet, so we cannot exclude women from certain areas. Mankind cannot blossom without inclusiveness, as that is the natural order of things.”

Expressing satisfaction with the insights shared at the conference, Pastor Niyi Abraham acknowledged the need to project and develop women leaders.

The conference underscored a collective call for policy reforms, mentorship programs, and cultural shifts that can pave the way for more women to take on leadership roles in Nigerian politics.