Nigerian women have been urged to engage in and contribute to the political landscape of the country, while embracing strategic political positions.
The Minister of Art, Culture and Creative Economy, Hannatu Musawa, said that that women have the capacity to mobilise for social and political change, appealing for unity to reach leadership positions.
She spoke on Tuesday in Ikenne Remo, Ogun State, at a special dialogue organised by the H.I.D. Awolowo Foundation, with the theme, “Breaking Barriers or Standing Still? Nigerian Women in Politics 30 Years After Beijing.”
A communiqué issued at the end of the dialogue and signed by Dr Tokunbo Awolowo-Dosumu, stated that for Nigeria to reclaim its future, it must adopt political practices that are inclusive, intersectional, intergenerational, and deliberately female-friendly.
The dialogue was held to commemorate the 110th posthumous birthday of Chief (Mrs) H.I.D. Awolowo, who died on September 19, 2015.
Musawa said, “Women are powerful, yes — but we are not yet organising our power in ways that truly transform politics.
“Our movements are passionate, but often divided. Our voices are loud, but not always coordinated. And when we are fragmented, the system finds it easier to ignore us.”
Musawa stressed the need for unity across party lines, regions and religions.
“One woman breaking a barrier is inspiring. Ten thousand women pushing that barrier together is unstoppable,” she said.
She further stressed the need for women to collaborate with men as allies in driving meaningful reforms in the country.
Musawa paid tribute to H.I.D. Awolowo, and described her as a woman of exceptional courage whose leadership continues to inspire generations.
In her remarks, Danjuma lamented the limited space available to women in Nigeria’s political landscape, saying this exclusion has contributed to the nation’s slow development.
The convener, Awolowo-Dosumu, said the dialogue aimed to reflect on the trajectory of women’s political participation three decades after the Beijing conference.
While acknowledging the discouraging statistics on women’s leadership across sectors, she urged upcoming female leaders to remain courageous, persistent, and determined.
Also speaking, Deputy Governor Salako-Oyedele urged political parties to introduce female-friendly policies such as reserved quotas for women and reductions or waivers on nomination form fees.
Dignitaries in attendance included the convener of the dialogue, Awolowo-Dosumu; Senator Daisy Danjuma, Chairman of the H.I.D. Awolowo Foundation; Ogun State Deputy Governor, Noimot Salako-Oyedele; Senator Uche Ekwunife; and Prof. Olabisi Aina, among others.
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