UN Deputy Secretary-General lauds women’s efforts in Nigeria: When women claim a space, they must never give it up
Despite efforts by women’s organizations, national actors, international development partners and the Independent National Electoral Commission, women represent only 3.8 per cent of elective positions at both federal and state levels, and constitute only 16.2 per cent of appointive positions in the federal executive cabinet in Nigeria.Date:
Several gender equality and women’s empowerment advocates have made some notable gains through creating awareness about the importance of women in leadership and supporting the passage of other frameworks such as the Gender and Equal Opportunities Bill and the Violence Against Persons (Prohibition) Act.
It is against this backdrop that UN Women in Nigeria supported a high-level breakfast meeting to discuss the importance of having a consensus among women in the National Assembly on proposed gender reforms (the constitutional review and the Gender and Equal Opportunities Bill) towards increasing women’s political participation. The meeting was graced by UN Deputy Secretary-General Amina Mohamed, who encouraged younger women and men to keep telling their stories to build the social fabric of Nigeria. She emphasized the importance of having women at the highest levels of leadership, including at the United Nations, where they can be an equal part of decision-making processes.
“When I assumed my role, African women heading various agencies in the UN were around nine; currently the number stands at 19. These changes were only possible with the support of the Secretary-General, who understands the important role women play. When women join leadership, they can bring everyone along.”—Amina Mohamed, UN Deputy Secretary-General
Amina Mohammed shares a moment with Lois Auta of the Network of Disabled Women. Photo: UN Women/ Faith Bwibo
The UN Deputy Secretary-General underlined the need to speak up against gender-based violence and issues of mental health, which are both silent pandemics, tearing apart homes and societies. Also in attendance was Hon. Dame Pauline Tallen, Minister of Women Affairs, who welcomed all the women leaders and their representatives, thanking UN Women for always providing support to the ministry. The interactive convening was moderated by Dr Amina Salihu, with 40 participants drawn from the National Assembly, civil society organizations and the Ministry of Women Affairs. Federal female lawmakers, civil society gender activists and young women activists were also in attendance.