STRATEGIES FOR INCLUDING WOMEN & YOUTH IN THE POLITICAL PROCESS IN NIGERIA

The 14th of June 2022 was another day when a critical mass of the populace took stock of the low level of involvement of women and youth in the political process in Nigeria. The 'x-ray' was under the auspices of the Conference of Civil Society of Nigeria (CCSN) powered by the able leadership of the Convener, Engr. Adams Otaku. The thrust of the clarion call was for Political Parties to field women and youths as running mates in the 2023 elections.

Photo L-R: Dr. Dayo Oluyemi-Kusa & Mrs. Dayo Benjamins-Laniyi (MD DoxaDigital & FCT Senatorial candidate for the APC @ the just concluded 2022 Primaries)

About two months ago, the Nigeria Women Trust Fund (NWTF) challenged the Federal Government in Court and got judgement to the effect that the stipulated 35% affirmative action be respected at all levels of government. The implication of this is that in every establishment women should constitute at least 35% of the employed or appointed. Obviously, this has not been effected in Nigeria.

Conference banner

According to Adams Otakwu,we should note that of all the Political Parties, none fielded a female standard bearer for the Presidential slot. Less than 5% of gubernatorial candidates are women, while over 95% are men. Less than 10% of candidates for the Federal Parliament are women, while 90% are men. Less than 20% of state Parliaments are women, while 80% are men.

These figures fall far below the global average. In other climes, women constitute about 23% of the seats in Parliament according to the Inter-Parliamentary Union data. These abysmal statistics make it clear that the current process of recruitment into politics is skewed towards failure. Humanity cannot continue to walk on one leg, that of men.

All hands must be on deck to ensure the inclusion of women, youth, PWDs and other vulnerable groups in the political process...