NDI Announces the Formation of International Working Group for the Advancement of Women's Political Leadership in Nigeria
On November 10, 2020, NDI launched the International Working Group (IWG) for Supporting the Advancement of Gender Equality (SAGE) in Nigeria. Leveraging its global experience supporting women’s political participation, and more than 20 years’ presence in Nigeria, NDI began the SAGE project in the summer of 2020.
NDI is pleased to announce the honorable members of the working group comprise H.E. former president of the Republic of Liberia, Ellen Johnson Sirleaf; H.E. former president of the Republic of Kosovo, Atifete Jahjaga; H.E. former president of the Republic of Malawi, Dr. Joyce Banda; Secretary-General of the Mano River Union, Amb. Medina Wesseh; former U.S. ambassador to Austria and NDI board member, Kathryn Hall, and Cameroonian lawyer and human rights advocate, Maitre Alice Nkom.
In a private launch meeting, NDI Board Chair Secretary Madeleine Albright and NDI President Ambassador Derek Mitchell expressed their appreciation to members of the international working group, and emphasized the importance of gender equity to sustaining a strong democracy. They were joined by the National Working Group (NWG) in welcoming the IWG members to the project. The NWG is composed of eminent Nigerian personalities from political parties, civil society and academia who champion the cause of women’s political leadership.
“Democracy is not viable when half of the country is held back,” stated Secretary Albright; “We know that when women are included and represented, countries prosper.”
Ambassador Mitchell noted that the IWG will be instrumental in supporting efforts to change the face of Nigeria’s democracy and politics.
Professor Remi Sonaiya, member of the NWG, warmly welcomed the new international working group members and shared her own experience running for president in Nigeria in 2015. Sonaiya said, “we know that women face significant hurdles as they run for elected office in Nigeria. Indeed, many are prevented from running.” Most of the hurdles, Sonaiya emphasized, have to do with the perception of women in society.
During the meeting, IWG members spoke to the common experience of women around the world facing barriers to successfully running for elected office. They noted that quotas can promote long overdue equity, and shared examples from their own experience. IWG and NWG members were in agreement about the need to promote a quota for the National Assembly in Nigeria. NDI looks forward to working with the IWG leaders, as well as the NWG and civil society partners in Nigeria, to advocate for critical policy and legal reforms that strengthen gender equity.
For more information on NDI’s work in Nigeria, please visit NDI’s website.
