By Queen Kunde
The League of Women Voters of Nigeria (NILOWV) has renewed its call for greater women’s representation in politics and decision-making as it marks 30 years of promoting women’s empowerment, leadership and democratic participation in the country.
The organisation will celebrate its 30th anniversary from October 26 to 30 in Abuja, with a series of activities bringing together women leaders, government officials, policymakers, civil society groups and development partners to discuss the future of women’s participation in governance.
A major focus of the anniversary is the push for the Special Seats Bill for Women, a proposed constitutional reform aimed at improving women’s representation in Nigeria’s legislative institutions.
NILOWV has campaigned for the bill through engagements with lawmakers, public enlightenment programmes, constituency rallies and grassroots mobilisation, arguing that women deserve a stronger voice in decisions affecting the country.
Despite decades of advocacy for gender equality, women remain underrepresented in elective political offices in Nigeria, making increased participation in governance a key issue for women’s groups and other advocates.
The anniversary, themed “Thirty Years Strong: Empowering Women’s Voice, Leadership and Democratic Participation — Celebrating the Past, Shaping the Future,” is expected to provide an opportunity to review the organisation’s achievements and develop strategies for advancing women’s leadership.
Activities will begin on Monday with anniversary engagements and gatherings before an All Women’s Conference on Tuesday, where participants will discuss leadership, political participation, gender equality and ways to increase women’s presence in decision-making positions.
A social gathering tagged “Old School Hangout” will hold on Wednesday, followed by a multistakeholder summit on Thursday. The summit will bring together representatives of government, civil society, development partners, the diplomatic community and the private sector to explore ways to strengthen inclusive governance.
The celebration will end on Friday with a gala and awards night to honour individuals and institutions that have contributed to women’s empowerment, democracy and national development.
An exhibition showcasing NILOWV’s 30-year journey and achievements will also form part of the anniversary activities.
The organisation’s president, Hon. Irene Mngunengen Awunah-Ikyegh, reaffirmed its commitment to creating more opportunities for women and girls across Nigeria, stressing the need to build on past achievements and prepare a new generation of women leaders.
Over the past three decades, NILOWV has worked to encourage women to register and vote, seek leadership positions, participate in governance and engage in decisions affecting their communities. Its activities have included voter education, civic advocacy, grassroots mobilisation and partnerships with other organisations.
As part of the anniversary, NILOWV has called on government institutions, political leaders, development partners, traditional and religious leaders, the media and Nigerians at home and abroad to support its work.
The organisation said the milestone was not only an opportunity to celebrate its history but also a reminder that more work was needed to ensure women had meaningful opportunities to influence public policy and national development.
Founded on the principle of active democratic participation, NILOWV promotes voter education, women’s political representation, leadership development and gender equality.
As it enters its fourth decade, the organisation says its focus remains on strengthening women’s voices and expanding their role in shaping Nigeria’s democratic future.