Hon. Dame Blessing Nwagba, PhD, a senatorial aspirant for Abia South Senatorial District on the platform of the APC, has renewed her call for greater inclusion of women in Nigeria’s political landscape, describing it as vital to achieving good governance and national progress.
Speaking at a workshop organized by the South East Zone of the Nigerian League of Women Voters in Enugu, sponsored by Dr Oby Ajih, APC Southeast Women Leader, she expressed concern over the low representation of women in the National Assembly, currently below seven percent, despite women constituting nearly half of the country’s population. She noted that this imbalance undermines effective governance and limits the diversity of perspectives needed for sound policymaking.
According to her, increased female participation in leadership positions has been proven to improve outcomes in key sectors such as education, healthcare, and social welfare. She emphasized that these are fundamental issues affecting all Nigerians, not just women.
Nwagba identified major challenges facing women in politics, including restrictive party structures, high campaign costs, and societal biases. She, however, maintained that these barriers can be overcome through deliberate reforms.
The two-term former member of Abia State House of Assembly advocated a minimum of 35 percent representation for women in elective and appointive positions, the enforcement of laws against political violence, the promotion of mentorship at the grassroots level, and the passage of the Reserved Seats for Women Bill. She also encouraged women to take a more active role in politics, while calling on men to support and promote competent female candidates.
Her remarks reflect a growing call for a more inclusive and effective political system in Nigeria, where leadership is based on competence and the collective good.
About The Author
