The Challenged Parenthood Initiative (CPI), in collaboration with the Nigeria Civil Society Situation Room, has intensified efforts to curb violence against women and promote their active participation in the electoral process ahead of the 2027 general elections in Kogi State.
Speaking at a quarterly dialogue on improving inclusivity and women’s participation in the electoral process, the Executive Director of CPI, Eunice Abimbola Agbogun, decried the persistent marginalisation of women in governance. She noted that many women continue to face harassment, intimidation, and violence during electioneering periods.
“Over the years, women have been systematically excluded from governance and subjected to various forms of electoral violence. This must change if we are serious about building an inclusive democracy,” she said.
Agbogun recalled that the initiative, which began in 2025, was designed to address gender-based violence and structural barriers limiting women’s participation in politics.
“Recognising persistent gender-based marginalisation, this project focuses on strengthening women’s understanding of electoral laws, building a non-partisan women-led coalition, and improving access to critical electoral information,” she explained.
She added that the programme, scheduled to run from July 2025 to February 2026, is aimed at driving long-term change across the three senatorial districts of the state.
According to her, “The goal is to empower women with the knowledge and confidence to engage the electoral process effectively and to influence decision-making at all levels.”
Agbogun stressed the need for sustained grassroots capacity building, noting that many women still face systemic challenges that hinder their political participation.
“If women are given opportunities to occupy key positions, Nigeria and indeed our families will be better for it. Denying women such opportunities is, in itself, a form of gender-based violence,” she said.
She disclosed that over 60 women had already been trained under the programme to champion political participation, with a target of reaching more than 10,000 women before the 2027 elections.
“There is a need for collective action. Civil society, government institutions, and communities must work together to ensure women are not just participants, but key players in the electoral process,” she added.
In his remarks, the Chairman of the Kogi State Independent Electoral Commission (KOSIEC), Mamman Nda Eri, commended the initiative and urged women to take advantage of the opportunity to obtain their Permanent Voter Cards (PVCs).
“This initiative is both timely and commendable. The strength of any democracy lies in its inclusiveness, and women’s participation is not just desirable it is essential,” he said.
“Women represent a significant proportion of our population. Their voices and contributions must be fully integrated into our electoral processes to ensure balanced representation and sustainable development.”
Eri further emphasised the importance of synergy among stakeholders.
“The collaboration between electoral bodies, security agencies, and civil society organisations provides a strong platform to address cultural, economic, and structural barriers to women’s participation,” he added.
Also speaking, a representative of the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) Barr. Faith Awushi Kotso highlighted progress in women’s political participation over the years.
“In 2015, only 14 women contested elective positions. That number increased to 16 in 2019 and rose significantly to 33 in 2023. Notably, three women were elected into office in the 2023 elections in Kogi State,” she said.
The representative of INEC REC described the trend as encouraging but stressed the need for sustained efforts to improve the numbers further.
On security, a former Police Public Relations Officer, who is now in charge of the Police monitoring team in Kogi State CSP William Ovye Aya, reaffirmed the commitment of security agencies to ensuring a safe electoral environment for women.
“Our mandate is to provide security for all Nigerians, but we recognise that women are particularly vulnerable during elections. We will continue to prioritise their safety,” he said.
“We are committed to preventing intimidation and all forms of electoral violence before, during, and after elections. Women must be able to access polling units freely and exercise their rights without fear.”
Our Kogi State Correspondent, reports that Aya called for stronger collaboration among stakeholders to safeguard women’s interests throughout the electoral process.
The dialogue also featured a review of outcomes from the previous session, updates on electoral inclusion strategies by INEC, and discussions on security measures to prevent violence against women.
Participants emphasised the need for sustained collaboration between electoral bodies, security agencies, and civil society organisations to ensure increased women’s participation in the 2027 general elections.
The event was attended by representatives from civil society organisations, the Ministry of Women Affairs, INEC, the Nigeria Police, the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC), the Department of State Services (DSS), and other key stakeholders.
Copyright: Fresh Angle International (www.freshangleng.com)
ISSN 2354 - 4104
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