Last week, Comrade AbdulSallam Abdulqadri Olusegun, Chairman of the National Youth Council of Nigeria (NYCN), Oyo State Chapter, delivered a compelling lecture at a seminar hosted by the Hope for Family Development Initiative (HFDI), which focused on empowering and advancing women’s roles in Nigeria’s political landscape.
The seminar, titled Introduction to Women’s Political Participation in Nigeria, served as a platform to explore the challenges and opportunities for increasing female involvement in the nation’s political sphere.
Comrade Abdulqadri began by engaging with the audience, asking about their political affiliations and finding that only two women identified as active party members. “This low representation underscores the very challenge we are here to tackle,” he remarked, highlighting the need for more women in politics and greater support for their political aspirations.
During his presentation, Comrade Abdulqadri underscored the critical role women play, comprising nearly half of Nigeria’s population. He pointed out the government’s 35% gender inclusion policy for public offices, yet noted that women remain significantly underrepresented in practice. “More women need to step forward and fill these roles to realize this goal,” he urged.
He also addressed the societal and institutional barriers hindering women’s political ambitions, emphasizing the importance of community support. By citing examples like the Oyo State Commissioner for Youth and Sports, he showcased how a supportive environment can empower women to succeed in politics. Comrade Abdulqadri appealed to religious and community leaders to actively encourage women’s political engagement, drawing inspiration from figures such as Funmilayo Ransom-Kuti and Efunsetan Aniwura, along with present-day female leaders.
In discussing Nigeria’s global standing on gender representation, he highlighted the country’s 154th rank out of 192 nations, with only minimal female representation in both the House of Assembly and Senate. “This ranking should prompt a mindset shift,” he stated, urging his audience to back women in their political pursuits.
Comrade Abdulqadri further stressed the unique contributions that women bring to governance, noting that female legislators often excel in championing social causes and gender equity. He encouraged young women to get involved early through roles like school prefectures and civil society positions, framing these as gateways into the political arena.
In a follow-up lecture titled The Importance of Young Girls and Women in Politics, he underscored the potential of young women as future leaders, advocating for their inclusion and leadership in shaping Nigeria’s political future.
