The United Nations Women (UN Women) has called for more female participation in politics and governance across Nigeria’s six geopolitical zones.

The country representative in Nigeria, Beatrice Eyong, made the call in Calabar on Thursday at a strategic meeting for women in the South-South region.

Ms Eyong urged women in the region to show their relevance within the country’s political system and decision-making process. 

She said the meeting aimed to create a South-South movement that would step up gender equality and women empowerment.

The UN representative said that the forthcoming local government elections in the state offered women an opportunity take up leadership positions.

“We must not wait until 2027. The time to begin is now. We must increase women representation in decision-making. Without gender equity we can never have a sustainable development. Let us start with supporting women in the local government elections.

“The test of what we can achieve in 2027 will be a reflection of our achievements in the council elections,” she said.

Governor Bassey Otu commended UN Women for sensitising women to participate actively in politics and governance.

Mr Otu said gender equality was a fundamental right that should not be treated lightly. He said the Cross River government would continue evolving policies promoting women’s rights.

Ini Adiakpan, the Akwa Ibom commissioner of women’s affairs, said many women still live below the poverty line. 

She said it was important to support women investing in farming and other small-scale businesses to ensure food security.

(NAN)