Media and UN Leaders Join Forces to Increase Nigerian Women’s Political Representation

Women’s political inclusion in Nigeria is promoted by UN and media leaders, who emphasize representation, democracy, equity, and governance changes.

In order to promote discussion on women’s political leadership and involvement, the United Nations in Nigeria, under the direction of the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP), has brought together editors and senior leaders of media outlets at the UN House in Abuja. 

The participation is a component of the UN’s larger campaign under the Africa Facility for Women in Political Leadership, an ambitious project aimed at creating an environment that encourages and supports women in African politics and government.

The discussion takes place at a critical juncture for Nigeria. The UN emphasized that expanding women’s representation is not only about fairness but also about securing Nigeria’s competitive advantage as Africa’s largest democracy, as the country joined the rest of the world in commemorating the Beijing+30 anniversary and implementing a comprehensive constitutional reform, including the Reserved Seats for Women’s Bill.

“The evidence is clear: countries with at least 30% women in parliament consistently perform better on governance, economic growth, and social cohesion,” said Ms. Elsie Attafuah, UNDP Resident Representative in Nigeria. It is not affordable for Nigeria to fall behind.

Attafuah emphasized that Nigeria’s place in a world order that is changing quickly is linked to women’s political inclusion, saying, “This is not simply about numbers or representation.” It aims to put Nigeria in a position to prosper in a world where advancement is more closely associated with diverse leadership. Nigeria cannot afford the danger of excluding women from political decision-making, given that the country’s population is expected to surpass 400 million by 2050.

The interaction also demonstrated how important the media is in developing stories and affecting public opinion. Ms. Attafuah emphasized that the narratives surrounding women in leadership, politics, and governance have the power to either strengthen existing obstacles or create new ones, drawing parallels with global best practices.

Participants considered instances from nations such as Rwanda and Uganda, where good national narratives and smart media framing not only promoted women’s leadership but also produced wider economic and social benefits. In order to promote a long-term route for women’s political leadership in Nigeria, the UNDP Resident Representative also urged media leaders to collaborate with the UN family outside of the 2027 elections and the imminent legislative amendments.

We are embarking on a path of co-creation today. By working together, we can formalize forums for ongoing discussion, cooperation, and advocacy. In addition to reporting, the media can influence public opinion and spur change, Ms. Attafuah stated.

In Nigeria, the UN reiterated its commitment to furthering the Reserved Seats Bill, promoting inclusive governance reforms, and setting up Nigeria to fulfill its international obligations under the Beijing Platform for Action and the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).

In addition to expressing interest in collaborating with the UN to elevate women’s voices in politics and governance, the editors praised the call for cooperation. The request to institutionalize UN-media leaders engagements to collaboratively monitor progress, exchange stories, and influence national conversation on inclusive leadership came at the end of the summit.