- The Demand: 50-50 gender pairing for all political candidates.
- The Warning: Failure to include women undermines Nigeria’s democracy.
- The Goal: To catch up with global standards for women in parliament.
Is Nigeria Serious About Gender Equality?
Dame Pauline Tallen has thrown down the gauntlet. Speaking at a capacity-building conference in Abuja, she declared that the old 35% affirmative action is no longer enough. It’s time for full gender parity, she insisted.
Why 50-50 Now?
Tallen highlighted a stark reality: Nigeria is near the bottom globally in terms of women’s representation in parliament. The global average is 27.2%, and some African countries are far ahead. Rwanda, for example, boasts 64% female parliamentary representation. Several countries have already hit or exceeded 50% gender parity.
The ‘Zebra Policy’: A Game Changer?
Tallen is urging political parties to amend their constitutions to include the “Zebra Policy” – a 50/50 pairing of male and female candidates. She also wants half of all political party leadership positions reserved for women. Nigeria can learn a lot from other african countries like Namibia and Gambia.
What’s at Stake for Nigeria?
According to Tallen, Nigeria’s failure to include women in political leadership is an embarrassment. As she put it, “How can you be a giant without showing the example?”
Reactions and Next Steps
Minister of Women Affairs, Imaan Sulaiman-Ibrahim, praised the roadmap laid out. The Director-General of the National Institute for Policy and Strategic Studies (NIPSS), Prof. Ayo Omotayo, emphasized that inclusive politics is crucial for national development. It’s time for real action and resources to empower female politicians. But a change in culture is important. Did you know that countries with higher gender equality often have stronger economies and better social outcomes? Source: United Nations Sustainable Development Goals.
The Road Ahead
The 2027 elections are a critical opportunity for Nigeria to demonstrate its commitment to gender equality. Will political parties embrace the ‘Zebra Policy’? The world is watching.
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