The Executive Directorate of Women Affairs under the Inter-Party Advisory Council (IPAC), in partnership with the National Institute for Policy and Strategic Studies (NIPSS), recently hosted a groundbreaking two-day capacity-building workshop for women political leaders. The event, themed “Breaking Barriers and Shaping Positive Attitudes for Inclusive Politics in Nigeria,” aimed to empower women across various political parties
During the event, new Zonal and State Coordinators were inaugurated, and an inclusive action plan for political participation from 2024 to 2028 was officially launched.
Mrs. Dame Pauline Tallen, former Minister of Women Affairs and former Deputy Governor of Plateau State, delivered the keynote address. She emphasized the vital role women play in successful political campaigns and governance, encouraging them to overcome barriers and advocate for greater inclusion. Tallen called on President Bola Tinubu to champion gender equality, leveraging his experience as a former governor, senator, and pro-democracy advocate.
Hajiya Zainab Abubakar Ibrahim, the Deputy National Women Leader of the All Progressives Congress (APC) and Executive Director of Women Affairs at IPAC, reaffirmed the directorate’s commitment to achieving 50% representation of women in political offices. She stressed the importance of unity, collective advocacy, and policy reforms to foster gender-inclusive governance.
IPAC Chairman, Alhaji Yusuf Dantalle, also addressed the participants, highlighting the urgent need to dismantle cultural and societal barriers that limit women’s political participation. He emphasized that women’s rights are fundamental human rights, protected by international conventions and enshrined in Nigeria’s Constitution.
Dantalle noted that IPAC is committed to inclusivity, with dedicated directorates for Women, Youth, and Persons with Disabilities, ensuring that marginalized groups are actively represented in political discussions and decision-making processes.
The conference brought together IPAC women leaders from across the zones and states, political party representatives, civil society organizations, development partners, and other stakeholders. All attendees pledged their support for the implementation of the new action plan and the broader movement toward gender-inclusive governance.
The Executive Directorate of Women Affairs reiterated its dedication to fostering a political environment where women are empowered, represented, and positioned to lead effectively at all levels.
