REPORT OF NCWS PARTICIPATION AT THE STRATEGY ADVOCACY MEETING ON ADVANCING WOMEN’S POLITICAL LEADERSHIP-Strengthening Pathways to Inclusive Representation in 2027.
The National Council of Women’s Societies (NCWS) Nigeria, under the leadership of its National President, Princess Edna D.D. Azura, actively participated in the Strategy Advocacy Meeting on Advancing Women’s Political Leadership held on 13th April 2026 at Abuja Continental Hotel. The high-level engagement brought together key stakeholders including Wife of Edo state Governor, Her Excellency Mrs. Edesili Anani Okpebholo and other governors wives representives, members of the National Assembly, Hon. Dr Kafait Obara , Hon. Gaza Jonathan, as well as the APC National Women leader, Hon. Dr. Mary Adele Lele , Development Partners, CSO’s NGOs.
The programme, supported by partners; European Union(EU), Policy and Legal Advocacy Centre(PLAC), and Nigerian Women Trust Fund( NWTF). They focused of these partnerships is on strengthening pathways to inclusive representation ahead of the 2027 general elections.
In her remarks and contributions during the meeting, Princess Edna D.D. Azura emphasized the urgent need to address the persistent underrepresentation of women in Nigeria’s political space and urge the men to fully support the women in this fight. Discussions highlighted the alarming statistics of women’s participation, noting that women currently occupy only a minimal percentage of seats in the National Assembly hence the need for the special seat bills to be passed. Speakers collectively described this gap as not just a gender issue, but a democratic deficit that limits national development, inclusivity, and effective governance. The consensus was clear: Nigeria cannot achieve sustainable progress without significantly increasing women’s representation in leadership and decision-making positions.
Deliberations at the panel discussions also explored strategic and legislative pathways to improve women’s political participation. Key among these was advocacy for affirmative action measures, including proposals for a gender balance framework that could ensure equitable representation of women in elective and appointive positions. Stakeholders stressed the importance of political will, institutional reforms, and intentional support systems to empower women candidates. Concerns were also raised about internal party structures and consensus arrangements that may inadvertently exclude women if not carefully managed with gender sensitivity.
Furthermore, the meeting underscored the importance of collaboration between men and women in advancing this cause. Participants highlighted that achieving gender parity is a collective responsibility requiring active support from all sectors of society. There were strong calls for increased capacity building, mentoring, funding support for female aspirants, and sustained advocacy to influence policy reforms ahead of the 2027 elections and beyond. The role of professional bodies, civil society, and the media was also recognized as critical in shaping public perception and driving accountability.
In conclusion, the Strategy Advocacy Meeting served as a vital platform for reflection, dialogue, and commitment to action magnifying the actions on ground around the special seat bills NCWS has been taking. The NCWS, through its National President, reaffirmed its dedication through co-signing with the organizers on championing women’s rights, political inclusion, and equitable representation in Nigeria. The Council pledged to continue working with relevant stakeholders, women down to the grassroots to ensure that the momentum translates into tangible outcomes, with the ultimate goal of achieving a more inclusive, balanced, and representative political landscape in Nigeria by 2027 and beyond.
Princess Edna D. D. Azura (Kwatam Mutaku),
National President,
National Council of Women Societies (NCWS), Nigeria.
