Women leaders in politics and business have emphasized the urgent need for Nigerian women to take an active role in supporting and promoting female participation in politics. They also underscored the importance of enhancing economic empowerment programs as a strategic pathway to strengthen the nation’s democracy.
Speaking at the Abuja stakeholders’ meeting themed “Linking Business Women to Action to Consolidate Democracy,” Deputy Country Director of the National Democratic Institute (NDI), Mr. Francis Madugu, highlighted the need for collective action to improve women’s participation in Nigeria’s democratic processes.
Mr. Francis Madugu, Deputy Country Director of the National Democratic Institute (NDI)
“Our democratic and electoral process needs significant improvement. Over the years, we have collectively left our women behind,” Madugu stated. “This initiative ensures increased participation of women in our democratic process by leveraging their successes in business to support women in politics. The data speaks for itself, our women are not performing well in democratic and electoral spaces. It’s time for deliberate, collective action to change this narrative.”
The meeting, part of the NDI’s project led by the Women’s Rights Advancement and Protection Alternative (WRAPA), convened networks of women from politics, business associations, and civil society organizations (CSOs) to design actionable strategies for democratic consolidation.
WRAPA Director of Programmes, Yemisi Nathaniel, outlined the meeting’s goal of encouraging collaboration between businesswomen and politicians. “The essence of this meeting is to link businesswomen to action to consolidate democracy,” Nathaniel said. “WRAPA aims to create a coalition of businesswomen and politicians who can leverage their skills and experiences to drive inclusive policymaking and economic development.”
Mrs. Yemisi Nathaniel, WRAPA Director of Programmes
President of the Women in Politics Forum (WIPF), Ebere Ifendu, stressed the importance of financial support from women entrepreneurs for female political participation. “Big entrepreneurs in Nigeria often fund men’s political campaigns but neglect women,” Ifendu noted. “It is crucial for businesswomen to understand that supporting women in politics is ultimately beneficial for everyone.”
(L) Barr. Ebere Ifendu, President Women in Politics Forum
Representing the Minister of Women Affairs, Hon. Imaan Sulaiman-Ibrahim, the Ministry’s Permanent Secretary, Dr. Maryam Keshinro, spoke on the vital contributions of women to Nigeria’s GDP.
Dr. Maryam Keshinro, Permanent Secretary Federal Ministry of Women Affairs
“Women dominate agriculture, markets, and trade, contributing significantly at both subsistence and commercial levels,” Dr. Keshinro remarked. “Their contributions to the nation’s GDP often surpass those of men. Women are central to community development and economic growth.”
She called on successful women entrepreneurs to mentor and support others in breaking barriers to enter politics, fostering a more inclusive democratic process.
Senator Ireti Kingibe shares a joyful moment with Haj. Umma Rimi, WRAPA-NDI Project Officer
This collaborative effort between WRAPA and NDI highlights the shared commitment to building a democracy that reflects the voices and potential of all Nigerians, particularly women who continue to play pivotal roles in the nation’s progress.
Group picture of participants
