Women leaders from across Nigeria have called for special seats, inclusion policies, and increased political participation at a national debate hosted by the African Mothers Initiative in Abuja.
The call came during the All-Women Interstate Debate, a landmark event organised in Abuja by the African Mothers Initiative in collaboration with the Federal Ministry of Women Affairs and the Office of the Wife of the Governor of Cross River State.
The debate centred on the theme: “Promoting the Intellectual Capacity of Women for Better Political Participation.
The two-day event brought together women coordinators, activists, and leaders from across Nigeria to address systemic political marginalisation and the urgent need to create spaces for women in decision-making positions.
The National President at African Mothers Initiative, Mrs. Margaret Mkpanam explained that the debate is one of the four key programs of the initiative
She noted that other programmes include: the ARMY Reality TV Show, All-Men Interstate Debate, Farmers Trade Fair, and a Mental Health Check program for women to drive home women inclusion messages.
“We are not ready yet, but we’re coming together. This is more than just a debate—it’s a political awakening. Our goal is to empower women intellectually and promote acceptable cultural heritage while pushing for inclusive governance,” Mrs. Mkpanam said.
She also said that the event, which featured experts from the National Human Rights Commission, the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), and other institutions aimed to expose women to the workings of Nigeria’s political system.
“Every woman watching us today will learn something valuable, We want to build a politically aware and engaged generation of women leaders,” she added.
She also announced plans to submit a formal communiqué to the President, Vice President, and Speaker of the House of Representatives.
“We are demanding two key things. One: special seats for women in state and national assemblies. Two: inclusion policies that open doors for qualified women to serve at all levels of governance,” she added.
The convener noted that “the unified message from the All-Women Interstate Debate is clear: political inclusion is no longer a request it is a demand”
The debate brought together women from across Nigeria.
The Coordinator of African Mothers Initiative, Nasarawa State Chapter,Mrs. Pauline Sharma, described the program as transformational.
“Most women are left behind and relegated to the background, When men make decisions, we’re forced to accept the outcome. That must change. Women must be self-reliant and politically empowered,” she said.
A Coordinator from Delta State, Mrs. Church Juliana, emphasised the untapped potential of educated women forced into informal labor.
“Many women with degrees are selling oranges in the market, We want them in government, in the Senate, in leadership—not just the kitchen,” she said.
On her part, the Ondo State and Southwest Coordinator, Ambassador Princess Olayinka made an emotional appeal for an equitable opportunity.
“Men have been given the chance, and they have failed. Let’s try the women, We’ve not even been given a fair shot. Give us that, and then judge our results,” she said.
She praised the initiative’s leadership and urged state and federal authorities to work closely with women’s organisations to bring these demands to reality.
She says, “this program is an eye opener. It’s not just about empowerment—it’s about justice, responsibility, and securing the future for our children.”
The women agreed that as Nigeria gears up for its next electoral cycle, the voices of women from the debate are gaining momentum.