ABEOKUTA– Women’s Rights Advancement and Protection Alternative (WRAPA), Gender Development Initiative (GenDi), in partnership with Change Managers International Network and New Era for Initiative for Persons Living with Disabilities, have called for more women inclusion in Nigeria’s future elections
This form part of the communique issued at the end of a Community Engagement Programme, tagged ‘Elect Her Now’, sponsored by MacArthur Foundation, held on Tuesday, at Onikolobo Community Centre, Abeokuta South Local Government Area of Ogun State.
In her welcome address, Miss Olayinka Oyelowo, GenDi Programme Officer, highlighted the objectives of the engagement, particularly the importance of collective effort in advancing inclusive governance.
In her address, the Executive Director of Gender Development Initiative, Prof. Olubunmi Ashimolowo, emphasized the urgent need for building an inclusive political system where the voices of all citizens especially women, young people, and persons with disabilities (PWDs) are not only heard but also reflected in leadership and decision-making structures.
She highlighted how the persistent marginalization of these groups continues to undermine democratic values and development outcomes in Nigeria.
Prof. Ashimolowo pointed out that true democracy cannot thrive when significant portions of the population remain excluded from governance due to systemic barriers, cultural biases, or inaccessible political processes.
She therefore called for intentional strategies and reforms that ensure proportional representation, equal opportunities, and the dismantling of discriminatory practices.
Meanwhile, Chief Mrs. Ade-Onojobi, a prominent advocate from the 100 Women Group in her presentation highlight the significance of gender equality, inclusive electoral reforms, and the role of grassroots policy engagement in strengthening democracy.
She emphasized that democracy is not merely about holding elections, but about ensuring that every segment of society regardless of gender, age, or physical ability has equal access to participation, representation, and influence in governance.
According to her, “a truly functional and just democracy must reflect the diverse voices and experiences of its people, particularly those who have been historically silenced or ignored”.
She therefore called for urgent reforms in electoral processes and policies that often serve as barriers to women’s and PWDs’ participation.
One of participants, recounted how she was discouraged from contesting in a local council election because it was considered “a man’s space,” just as a young man with a physical disability shared how inaccessible venues and campaign platforms made his political aspirations nearly impossible.
