Mentorship, critical factor for women’s mass participation in politics – Survey

Mentorship, critical factor for women’s mass participation in politics – Survey

Some stakeholders in the North-east have identified mentorship and quota systems as critical factors that will increase women’s participation in politics.

The stakeholders made this known in a survey conducted by the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) in Borno, Yobe and Adamawa on Monday.

However, quota system is a regulatory framework in which a certain number of electoral seats are reserved for women to increase their representation and participation in politics.

The stakeholders said that women had contributed immensely to Nigeria’s democracy in terms of legislation, advocacy, economic reforms and grassroots mobilisation for votes.

They insisted that despite their contributions, women remained under represented in both appointed and elective positions at the local, state and federal government levels.

Golfa Francis, a gender advocate in Adamawa, said deliberate policies of reserving seats and structured political training for women politicians by more experienced women, would increase women’s participation in politics.

“Our society must understand that women are not weak vessels; they are capable, strong, and skilled in managing responsibilities.

“When women are part of decision-making, the outcomes are more sustainable and balanced. Hence, the  initiative should receive the support of all Nigerians,” she said.

Mrs Jamila Babuba, Chairperson, International Federation of Women Lawyers (FIDA), Adamawa Chapter, sought for accelerated passage of the Reserved Seats for Women Bill before the National Assembly, saying it would enhance gender parity.

She said under the bill, two seats would be reserved for women for the Senate and House of Representatives in the 36 states and Abuja, while three additional seats would also be reserved for women in each state’s House of Assembly.

“The Reserved Seats for Women Bill is a bold step toward bridging the gender gap in political representation.

“It seeks to create exclusive additional seats for women in both the National and State Assemblies.

“We are mobilising stakeholders to build consensus and present citizens’ inputs to the constitutional review committee on this matter,” she said.

Mrs Neido Kofulto, Adamawa Commissioner for Women Affairs and Social Development, said empowering women politically was not just about fairness but building stronger institutions and inclusive governance.

 “Women bring unique perspectives that can drive growth and stability in our society,” she said.

Kafulto acknowledged that  progress was made in the state in the election of a female deputy governor, appointment of  a female Chief Judge, several local governments vice-chairpersons, among others.

A gender researcher from the University of Maiduguri, Dr Hadiza Ibrahim, described the mentorship and quota system as “ strategic tools for socio-political transformation.”

“Women in Nigeria, especially in the North-east, have contributed immensely to peacebuilding, education, and community resilience. Yet, their representation in politics remains marginal,” she queried.

Ibrahim noted that women’s inclusion is not a favour but a necessity for balanced governance.

“Reserving seats for women will correct long-standing gender imbalances and enhance Nigeria’s democratic quality,” she added.

Dr Zainab Bukar of the Department of Political Science at University of Maiduguri, said women’s inclusion in politics had direct benefits in economics and governance.

“Studies have shown that countries with higher female participation in politics tend to have better governance outcomes, stronger anti-corruption frameworks, and improved human capital indices,” she said.

Bukar stressed that Nigeria’s Vision 2050 could not be fully achieved without increased women’s participation in politics.

“It’s not just about fairness; it’s about national progress. A gender-balanced parliament is a more productive and accountable one,” she said.

Hajiya Fatima Paga, Focal Person on Women to Gov. Mai Mala Buni of Yobe, said reserved seats would give a voice to women in decision-making processes.

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“By actively engaging in politics — not only voting but contesting — women can help shape policies that directly affect them, children, and persons with special needs,” she said.

Paga, a former Senior Legislative Aide to the President of the 9th Senate, Sen. Ahmed Lawan, recounted how she was denied the state house of assembly seat in 2018 by a political party by virtue of being a woman.

She expressed optimism that with mentorship and reserved seats, women’s participation in politics would significantly increase in the state.

Mr Muhammed Kucici, Chairman, Network of Yobe Civil Society Organisations, said women’s participation in politics would enhance diversity and inclusiveness in governance.

“Politics becomes more representative when women are allowed to contribute, as they bring issues that affect them directly to the table,” Kucici said.

He, however, said that for women to effectively participate in politics, cultural, religious and economic impediments must be addressed.

Mr Fate Bukar, Director of Legislation, Yobe House of Assembly, said the assembly would consider domestication of the Reserved Seats for Women Bill once passed by the National Assembly.

He said such a step would guarantee women’s representation in governance and further strengthen democracy.