Mabel Adinya Ade, Founder and Executive Director, Adinya Arise Foundation (AAF) had written a piece on gender parity crisis in Nigeria and it was instinctive to note her points here.
In a just society, certain principles should be inviolable: justice should be blind, leadership should be ethical, and power should never be wielded as a tool of intimidation. Yet, in Nigeria’s political landscape, these ideals are often discarded, especially when it comes to women. The recent allegations of sexual harassment against Senate President Godswill Akpabio by Senator Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan expose more than just personal misconduct; they lay bare the entrenched culture of gender-based violence (GBV) and systemic exclusion of women from power.
Senator Akpoti-Uduaghan’s decision to speak up is more than an accusation; it is an indictment of a society that consistently dismisses, silences, and punishes women who refuse to conform to subjugation. Rather than treating these allegations with the seriousness they demand, too many, including some women have chosen the path of ridicule, deflection, and victim-blaming. This is not just disappointing; it is a betrayal of common sense, decency, and the fight for a just society.
Shameful?
For all its rhetoric about democracy and inclusion, Nigeria remains one of the worst places in the world for women in politics. Women make up nearly half of the population, yet their presence in governance is pitifully low. Out of 360 members in the House of Representatives, only 16 are women. The 109-member Senate has just four female senators. In a shocking statistic, 14 out of Nigeria’s 36 states have no female lawmakers at all.
Globally, Nigeria ranks 180th out of 185 countries in women’s political representation, trailing behind nations that were once considered less progressive. Compare this to Rwanda, where women hold 61% of parliamentary seats, or Senegal (54%) and South Africa (47%), where gender inclusion has become a cornerstone of governance. The results are undeniable: countries that prioritize women’s leadership see stronger economies, better policies, and more stable governance. Meanwhile, Nigeria lags behind, clinging to outdated systems that continue to fail half its population.
What’s the cost of this ignorance?
Nigeria’s refusal to fully integrate women into leadership is not just a moral failing; it is a national liability. The consequences are staggering:
– Policy Paralysis: When women are absent from decision-making, issues like maternal health, GBV, and economic inclusion suffer from chronic neglect.
– Economic Losses: Studies show that closing the gender gap in leadership could increase Nigeria’s GDP by **23% by 2025**. Yet, the country continues to sideline half of its talent pool.
– A Culture of Harassment and Fear: If women in leadership face intimidation and assault, what hope is there for the millions of women without platforms, resources, or protection?
By failing to create a safe and inclusive political space, Nigeria is sending a dangerous message: that women’s voices, no matter how qualified, are unwelcome.
Are we sending a wrong message across?
Nigeria’s inaction on gender parity does more than weaken its internal structures—it damages its reputation on the global stage. The country has signed international agreements like the Beijing Declaration (1995), the UN Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), and the African Union’s Agenda 2063, all of which advocate for gender equality. Yet, in practice, these commitments are treated as empty formalities.
By allowing harassment and intimidation to thrive in our political system, Nigeria is branding itself as a country that does not value its women, their contributions, or their rights. This is not just a local issue; it is a national embarrassment.
Senator Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan’s case is not an isolated incident—it is a reflection of a larger, more sinister pattern. Women in politics are routinely subjected to intimidation, hate speech, and outright violence. What is even more disgraceful is the complicity of some women who choose to align with their oppressors rather than defend their own rights. This culture of silence and betrayal must end.
For the sake of our daughters, our future, and our dignity as a nation, we must act. That means:
1. Demanding gender-sensitive policies and affirmative action to ensure more women have access to leadership positions.
2. Calling for an independent investigation into the harassment allegations against Senator Akpabio.
3. Rejecting all forms of intimidation against women in politics—whether through laws, public discourse, or social norms.
Gender equality is not a privilege, nor is it a request—it is a right. Nigeria will never reach its full potential until it stops treating the inclusion and protection of women as an afterthought.
