INEC Reaffirms Commitment to Women’s Participation in Nigeria’s Electoral Process

The Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) has reiterated its commitment to strengthening women’s engagement in Nigeria’s electoral process and promoting gender equality within the Commission.

In a statement signed by Mrs. Victoria Eta-Messi, Director of Voter Education and Publicity, INEC acknowledged the vital roles women play in shaping society and democracy.

Highlighting this year’s International Women’s Day theme, ‘Accelerate Action,’ INEC emphasized that achieving gender equality is fundamental to strengthening democracy, beyond being a matter of fairness.

“A gender-balanced leadership, where women are equally represented in decision-making, fosters more inclusive and responsive governance,” Eta-Messi stated, adding that women’s full participation is essential to Nigeria’s democratic future.

Eta-Messi noted significant progress within INEC regarding women’s leadership roles:

• Two female National Commissioners and a female Secretary currently serve in senior positions.
• 12 out of 37 Administrative Secretaries (32.4%) and four Resident Electoral Commissioners are women.
• Women now make up 42.3% of INEC’s 26 directors, showing a notable increase in female representation.

Despite these advancements, INEC acknowledged that gender equality remains a work in progress. Eta-Messi highlighted barriers that continue to hinder women’s participation, including gender-based violence, cultural norms, and limited support networks.

“The Commission is dedicated to ensuring equal representation at all levels of the electoral process,” she stated. “We are actively developing policies to encourage more women to participate, whether as candidates, voters, election administrators, or party representatives.”

By addressing institutional and societal barriers, INEC reinforces its position that gender equality is vital to a strong democracy.

INEC urged all Nigerians to continue advocating for gender equality in the electoral process and beyond.

“When women are empowered to take leadership roles and given equal opportunities, democracy thrives, governance becomes more inclusive, and Nigeria’s future becomes brighter for all.”