Kema Chikwe, a former minister of aviation and other stakeholders have appealed to President Bola Tinubu to improve women’s participation in governance ahead of the 2027 political election.

Ms Chikwe, also the former Ambassador of Nigeria to Ireland, made the appeal at the eighth anniversary of the conference of Women Leadership Institute on Thursday in Abuja.

Speaking as the conference Convener with a theme, “Women leading together- power in partnership, purpose in action”, she said that the event was to mobilise and strategise for women to support one another.

She said that the president’s policy direction and recent directive to state governors on poverty alleviation, power and agriculture were significant to women’s development.

She, however, said that women should not just be beneficiaries of certain policies, but should be actively involved in formulation and implementation.

“As you embark on what we believe should be your well-deserved second term, we urge you to carry more women with you.

“Let your legacy reflect a genuine commitment to gender inclusion.

“The number of women in both national and state assemblies is not befitting to our great nation at this stage of our development,” she said.

Ms Chikwe said that the absence of women in legislative spaces meant fewer voices to champion gender equity, social justice and inclusive policies.

“Women must sit at the tables where decisions are made. We must not wait to be invited, we must show up, prepared, united and purposeful,” she said.

She said that the representation of women in the current National Assembly is negligible and deeply troubling, and must not be allowed to persist.

According to her, when women lead together with men, nations rise.

She said that the power of partnership was real, adding that when purpose meets action, transformation follows.

Cecilia Umoren, the keynote speaker, urged women to desist from listening and believing tales and political gimmicks, as women are enemies of themselves.

Ms Umoren emphasised the need for women to unite and participate actively in 6he political space and contribute their quota towards national development.

“Women must not ignore the fact that politics remains the most effective fast track to achieving gender balance in leadership, especially in the legislature.

“Women must begin to take the right political decisions now, decisions that will position us to make a meaningful impact in the 2027 elections and beyond,” she said.

Also, Bisi Fayemi, former first lady of Ekiti State, emphasised the need for partnership, urging women to confront the realities that will challenge the journey of gender.

She called on women to strategise deliberately and align with policies that will support the mainstreaming of women in leadership.

(NAN)