Women in Politics: Advancing Representation, Leadership and Accountability

The conversation around women in politics is no longer just about inclusion. It is about preparation, participation, and impact.

At the recent TWOT conference held on the 21st of February 2026, at the Golden Tulip Hall in Yenagoa, Bayelsa State, speakers and participants explored what it truly means for women to take their place in governance and how to do so effectively.

The session opened with remarks from Her Excellency Gloria Diri, who set the tone by encouraging women in leadership to act with integrity, knowledge, and courage. She stressed that advocacy for reserved seats for women is gaining momentum, but those seats will only matter if women are ready to occupy them. Preparation, she noted, is not optional – it is necessary. If women are not equipped, those opportunities may go unused.

The keynote speaker, Hon. Mrs. Ebizi Ndiomu Brown, built on this message by first acknowledging the importance of platforms like TWOT, especially in a country where women remain significantly underrepresented in governance. She pointed out that despite Nigeria’s democratic progress, women still occupy only about 6–7% of political positions. This is far below the global average of 22.9%, Africa’s 20%, and West Africa’s 15%.

To show what is possible, she highlighted women who have shaped Nigeria’s political and public space through competence and courage. Figures like Funmilayo Ransome-Kuti, who was a pioneer of women’s rights, and Ngozi Okonjo-Iweala, who played a key role in Nigeria’s debt relief negotiations, stand as examples of excellence. Others, such as Dora Akunyili, who led the fight against counterfeit drugs, and Oluremi Tinubu, known for her advocacy for women and youth, have shown what committed leadership looks like.

These women, she explained, did not rise by chance. They prepared themselves, developed strong skill sets, and remained committed to service. Their stories reflect qualities like bravery, discipline, and resilience – traits that are essential for any woman seeking to lead.

Looking beyond Nigeria, the numbers tell a different story. Countries like Rwanda have achieved 63% female representation in government, while South Africa stands at 43% and Senegal at 41.2%. These examples show that progress is possible when intentional efforts are made.

Interestingly, there are local examples of progress as well. In Bayelsa State, the judiciary has been led by women for nearly two decades, and women currently occupy a few commissioner and advisory roles. These are signs that change is already happening, even if slowly.

One of the key proposals discussed was the introduction of reserved seats – one each for the Senate and House of Assembly, and four for local government councils. While this creates opportunity, the emphasis remained on readiness. Women must position themselves to take advantage of these openings.

So, how can women prepare?

First, there is a need for continuous learning. This includes formal education, skill acquisition, and consistent training. Women must actively seek knowledge that places them in stronger positions for leadership.

Second, there must be a shift in attitude. Participants were encouraged to be open to learning, respectful of structures, and willing to start small. Attending conferences, volunteering, and taking on responsibilities without immediate rewards were highlighted as important steps. Excellence in every task, no matter how small, helps build credibility.

Another key point was unity among women. Competing is natural, but working against one another is harmful. Collaboration, mentorship, and mutual support are essential if women are to grow collectively in politics.

There was also emphasis on what was described as the “silent lobby” – building influence through consistent service and engagement rather than noise. By volunteering and contributing meaningfully, women can earn trust and support from key stakeholders.

Beyond preparation, increasing participation requires grassroots advocacy. Women in local communities need to be informed, encouraged, and empowered to take part in political processes.

In the second session, Honourable Mrs. Obiyai Ebiuwou spoke on strategies for effective political engagement. She made it clear that conversations like these must go beyond theory. They must identify real problems and provide practical solutions.

She highlighted that women bring balance to governance. Using the analogy of a pair of scissors, she explained that both men and women must work together for society to function effectively. Women, she added, often think beyond themselves, considering the welfare of families and communities.

Some practical strategies she shared include building strong coalitions, understanding the historical context of political issues, leveraging digital platforms, and investing in mentorship and training.

The third session, led by Chief Barrister Tariere Egbegi, focused on the barriers women face in politics. These include weak policy implementation, harmful cultural norms, gender-based violence, media stereotypes, online harassment, and limited access to funding. These challenges continue to limit women’s participation and must be addressed deliberately.

In the final session, Dr. Rosalyn Dressman discussed the role of women’s organisations in governance. She described governance as the process of decision-making, inclusion, resource allocation, and accountability. According to her, when women are organised, governance improves.

Women’s organisations create pathways for participation, influence policies, and strengthen community involvement. They also provide a support system that enables women to engage effectively in politics. However, these organisations face challenges such as limited funding and sustainability.

Despite these challenges, their impact remains significant. They organise policy dialogues, train women in leadership and political engagement, and ensure that leaders remain connected to the people they serve.

The overall message from the conference was clear: women’s participation in politics is not just important – it is necessary. But beyond advocating for space, women must be ready to step into it. With the right preparation, unity, and commitment, women can not only occupy positions of power but also transform governance for the better.