ElectHer, CSOs, INEC seek increased women's participation in polls

• Published date: 18 January 2023
• Publication title: Nigeria - The Nation

Worried about the low level of participation of women in the electoral process, a non-partisan group focused on encouraging women in politics, Electher engaged the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) and Civil Society Organisations (CSOs) ahead of the February 2023 general elections.

At a one-day workshop targeted at mainstreaming women's representation and participation in the 2023 general elections held in Ikeja, Lagos in partnership with INEC and with support from European Union, participants were drawn from across the country to deliberate in line with INEC's revised Gender Policy (IGP).

According to the founder, ElectHer, Ibijoke Faborode, women are significant to electioneering in Nigeria and preserving our democracy. 'Women account for 39.6 million out of 84 million voters registered in 2019 and 44.4 million (47.5 per cent) out of 93.5 million in 2023 according to INEC.

In spite of women's increasing political participation, they account for an abysmally low 68 (4.43 per cent) out of 1543 representation in politics nationally, according to YIAGA (2020); despite constituting 105.6 million (49.5 per cent) of Nigeria's population. This means that the interest of nearly half of the population is not represented in Nigeria's decision-making.

'CSOs and the electoral body have a huge role to play being custodians of democracy. We must avoid a repeat of 2019, by ensuring that at least 90 per cent of female candidates transit to elective positions by mainstreaming them to the electorates and giving them human and technical support.'

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