As the world celebrates International Women’s Day 2025, the Centre for Media and Society (CEMESO) has called for accelerated efforts to enhance women’s participation in governance and leadership roles across Nigeria.
With obvious gaps in political representation, economic empowerment, and societal perceptions hampering progress, CEMESO’s Executive Director, Dr. Akin Akingbulu, stresses that the time for decisive intervention is now.
Despite a National Gender Policy mandating 35 percent affirmative action, weak implementation, coupled with entrenched cultural biases and systemic barriers within political parties and media, continues to sideline women from governance and decision-making spaces.
“This is compounded by the failure of legislative bodies to complete the processing of laws that would advance the development and participation of women.
“If the goal of gender equality would not be a mirage, governance institutions should conclude the passage of pending gender bills and ensure full implementation of the policies and legislations that seek the advancement of women,” Dr. Akingbulu stated.
CEMESO also criticized political parties for failing to create an inclusive space for women, noting that internal discrimination limits female candidacy and electoral success.
“Political parties should restructure their internal systems to ensure that women are provided more space to emerge as candidates and winners in elections,” the organization urged.
Dr. Akingbulu also highlighted financial and independence as vital factors in closing gender gaps.
With limited access to credit, wage disparities, and employment discrimination hindering women’s economic independence, CEMESO is advocating for financial inclusion programs, vocational training, and support for women in emerging industries such as technology, agriculture, and green energy.
Dr. Akingbulu also called for increased investment in women-led media platforms, digital literacy initiatives, and stronger legal protections against online harassment.
Additionally, socio-cultural and religious norms continue to restrict women’s rights, perpetuating discriminatory traditions and limiting leadership opportunities. Practices such as child marriage, unequal inheritance laws, and the stigmatization of single mothers were highlighted as key obstacles.
“These practices remain prevalent in many communities, depriving women of their basic rights and restricting their ability to contribute meaningfully to society,” he added.
Dr. Akingbulu warned that without decisive action, structural inequalities will persist, depriving women of their rights and limiting their contributions to national development. He urged policymakers, civil society organizations, the media, and the private sector to collectively challenge harmful societal norms, promote economic empowerment, and amplify women’s voices.