Abuja, June 13, 2026 – A civil society organisation, Gatesfield Coustival, has renewed calls for increased participation of women in politics, expressing concern over the persistent underrepresentation of women in Nigeria’s democratic and leadership structures.
The organisation, known for its advocacy against gender-based harassment and promotion of social justice, said greater efforts were needed to address barriers limiting women’s involvement in political processes.
As part of its awareness campaign, the group hosted an event in Abuja titled “We Decide What Changes,” aimed at drawing attention to gender-based harassment and other challenges confronting women in politics.
A documentary, “Double Minority,” was also premiered at the event. The production explored the experiences of female politicians, highlighting their journeys, obstacles, and encounters with discrimination and harassment within the political space.
Among those featured in the documentary were Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan, Khadijah Abdullahi, a former governorship candidate in Niger State, and Dr Abiola Akiyode-Afolabi, founder of the Women Advocates Research and Documentation Centre.
The discussion on women’s participation in politics continued during a panel session moderated by Dorreen Nwoke, with contributions from broadcaster Nabila Usman, communications specialist Solakpe Sonuga and gender advocate Nimisire Emitomo.
Participants acknowledged that while digital platforms have expanded opportunities for civic engagement and political visibility, they have also become channels for online harassment, intimidation and attacks targeted at women.
Usman observed that women often face challenges in politics that differ from those encountered by men, noting that gender stereotypes continue to influence perceptions of female leadership.
She argued that comments restricting women’s roles to domestic responsibilities reflect attitudes that hinder progress toward gender equality and limit opportunities for women in governance.
Sonuga also highlighted statements and viewpoints that suggest resistance to women occupying leadership positions, describing such attitudes as obstacles to broader inclusion and equal representation.
The panelists agreed that changing societal perceptions and institutional practices remains essential to achieving meaningful gender balance in political participation.
Nwoke further noted that some forms of gender-based harassment are reinforced by social norms and cultural beliefs that influence how women are perceived and treated in public life.
According to Sonuga, civic engagement initiatives that encourage voter participation, accountability and support for female candidates can help bridge existing gender gaps in politics.
She also urged voters to make electoral choices based on competence and leadership ability rather than gender considerations.
Emitomo stressed the importance of economic empowerment, arguing that improved access to financial resources enhances women’s capacity to participate effectively in politics while contributing to broader economic development.
She encouraged women to become active members of political parties long before seeking elective positions, advising them to build networks, strengthen support structures and contribute to internal party reforms.
The programme also featured an art exhibition showcasing works by emerging artists whose pieces reflected social issues, governance, national development and personal experiences.
One of the featured artists, Kelechi Orode Chukwueke, presented an artwork titled “How Much,” which highlighted the dangers of vote-selling and encouraged citizens to recognise the value of their electoral choices.
Explaining the inspiration behind the piece, she noted that some images depicted on the national currency symbolise aspirations that many citizens have yet to fully experience.
Chukwueke also encouraged young women pursuing careers in the arts not to allow gender-based criticism to discourage them from expressing their creativity and talents.
Another artist, Mustapha Musa, exhibited a work titled “The Game We Play,” using a chessboard set against the African continent to portray issues of power, privilege and socio-economic realities.
According to Musa, the artwork serves as a reminder that citizens must remain actively involved in governance and decision-making processes rather than surrendering their influence to a privileged few.
The event concluded with cultural performances and interactive sessions, while organisers reiterated the need to prioritise women’s inclusion, rights and contributions as part of efforts to strengthen Nigeria’s democratic development and social progress.