Ijebu-Ode, Ogun State – In a bold and transformative move toward inclusive democracy, the Women’s Rights Advancement and Protection Alternative (WRAPA), in collaboration with key gender advocacy groups, has called for a political system in Nigeria that fully reflects the voices and aspirations of all citizens—particularly women, young people, and persons with disabilities (PWDs).
This powerful call for action was made during a dynamic Ogun-East Community Engagement on Gender Inclusion During Elections, held recently in Ijebu-Ode. The event attracted participants from five local government areas—Ijebu-Ode, Ijebu North, Ijebu East, Odogbolu, and Ijebu North-East—and created a rare space for dialogue, strategy, and commitment to reform.
Building a Future with Women: Where Equity, Participation, and Representation Thrive
Under this compelling theme, WRAPA brought together community leaders, women activists, disability rights advocates, and representatives from political groups and civil society. The goal was clear: to dismantle the systemic barriers that continue to limit women and PWDs from meaningful political participation and leadership in Nigeria.
The session wasn’t just another civic engagement—it was a rallying cry for a future where leadership mirrors the diversity of the population, and where every citizen has a voice in shaping governance.
“We Must Make Space for Women in Leadership” – Adebanjo
Delivering a rousing keynote address, Mrs. Taiwo Adebanjo, Executive Director of Ray of Hope Community Foundation and Zonal Coordinator of the 100 Women Group, emphasized the urgency of building gender-responsive political structures in Nigeria.
“We need to understand the importance of women in politics and governance,” Adebanjo stated.
“This engagement is about recognizing the legal and policy frameworks already in place—like the Uwais Electoral Reform Report and the National Gender Policy—and using them as tools for real change. We are here to identify major barriers to women’s political participation and leadership and to develop practical action points that will support women candidates and advocate for gender-inclusive elections.”
Adebanjo described the current exclusion of women and PWDs from leadership as a democratic deficit and urged the audience to see representation not as a favor but a fundamental right.
Lifting Voices: Women, Youth, and Persons with Disabilities Speak
A key highlight of the event was its interactive dialogue sessions, where participants openly shared their experiences and insights on the realities of Nigeria’s political terrain. Discussions revolved around:
- The power and potential of the women’s voting bloc
- The marginalization of women and PWDs in party structures and leadership positions
- Cultural and financial barriers limiting female candidacy
- Strategies to mobilize grassroots support for inclusive governance
- The role of citizens in holding political actors accountable
For many attendees, the engagement was both eye-opening and empowering.
“I have never been invited to speak about my political rights before,” said Mrs. Mariam Alao, a woman with a disability from Odogbolu. “For the first time, I feel seen and heard. I now believe I can lead in my community.”
Participants also discussed how exclusionary practices within political parties often deter women from running for office, and how reforms are needed to ensure more accessible primaries, campaign financing support, and legal protections for marginalized groups.
The Power of Collaboration: Driving Collective Action
The event was jointly organized by WRAPA and sponsored by the MacArthur Foundation, with strong partnerships from the Gender Development Initiative (GenDi), the 100 Women Group, and the Network for Inclusion of Women with Disabilities (NEIEPWD).
Each organization brought a unique perspective and reinforced the call for cross-sector collaboration in dismantling the patriarchy and ableism embedded in Nigeria’s political structures.
“The time has come to move from tokenism to transformation,” one GenDi representative declared.
“We need a gender-inclusive political system where women and persons with disabilities are not just voters, but candidates, lawmakers, and governors.”
WRAPA also committed to sustained follow-up across the five LGAs, including local forums, leadership training, and voter mobilization programs targeting women and PWDs ahead of the 2027 general elections.
Next Steps: From Words to Action
Beyond the dialogue, WRAPA and its partners are charting a path forward that includes:
- Developing community-level action plans to support female candidates
- Training sessions on political literacy and campaign strategies
- Advocacy visits to political parties to push for gender quotas and inclusion of PWDs
- Media campaigns to challenge stereotypes and amplify success stories of inclusive leadership
There are also plans to track political parties’ compliance with the National Gender Policy, which recommends a minimum 35% representation for women in decision-making positions.
A New Dawn for Inclusive Democracy
The Ogun-East community engagement was not just an event—it was a movement. It signaled that citizens, especially women and persons with disabilities, are ready to take up space, shape policy, and redefine what leadership looks like in Nigeria.
As the 2027 elections draw nearer, voices from Ijebu to Abuja are growing louder with one clear message: “We will not be left behind.”
WRAPA and its allies are ensuring that the road to political inclusion is no longer a distant dream—but a march in motion
