Gender Equality Index: Nigeria ranks 146th
By Eberechi Obinagwam
The 2023 Global Gender Gap report placed Nigeria 146th out of 146 countries in political empowerment, while also ranked 34th out of 52 countries in the African Gender Equality Index report, highlighting the need for improved gender parity in the country’s political landscape.
Jesudunsin Olusanya, facilitator and Managing Partner at Nigeria’s Premier Gender Consulting Company (WGCCo), revealed this in a one-day media training in Lagos organised by ARDA Development Communication Incorporated (ARDA) under the Advanced Women in Political Participation (AWPP) project.
She said culture, religion and traditions are informal factors affecting women’s representation in political leadership while political, finance, media are formal factors.
Olusanya, noted that women’s political leadership and participation is not just a matter of justice and human rights, but essential for national development, economic growth and Nation building.
“By addressing the systemic barriers and implementative supportive polices, Nigeria can pave the way for a more inclusive and representative governance structure.”
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Also, Priscila Fibersima, AWPP Project Manager and Senior ARDA Program Officer, said that the training was aimed at removing the barriers that prevent women from participating in governance.
She explained that the goal of the AWPP project is to provide media professionals with the skills needed to effectively advocate for women in leadership positions.
According to her, “The AWPP media training held in Lagos not only solidifies the message that women’s representation in political leadership and governance matters but is a significant step towards achieving Sustainable Development Goal 5 (target 5.5) ensures women’s full and effective participation and equal opportunities for leadership at all levels of decision-making in political, economic, and public life.”