The United Nations in Nigeria on Monday convened editors and senior leaders of media houses to advance dialogue on women’s political participation and leadership, held at United Nations (UN) House in Abuja, Federal Capital Territory (FCT)
Penpushing reports that the engagement is part of the United Nations (UN’s) broader push under the Africa Facility for Women in Political Leadership – a bold initiative designed to build an enabling ecosystem that supports and sustains women in politics and governance across Africa.
The conversation led by the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) comes at a pivotal moment for Nigeria, as the nation joined the world to mark the Beijing+30 anniversary and undertakes a comprehensive constitutional reform.
Penpushing further reports that it includes the Reserved Seats for Women’s Bill, while the United Nations (UN) emphasized that increasing women’s representation is not just about fairness – it is about securing Nigeria’s competitive advantage as Africa’s largest democracy.
The United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) Resident Representative in Nigeria. Ms. Attafuah, highlighted that women’s political inclusion is tied to Nigeria’s positioning in a rapidly changing global order
“Evidence is clear: countries with at least 30% women in parliament consistently perform better on governance, economic growth, and social cohesion. Nigeria cannot afford to lag behind’, Elsie Attafuah said
‘This is not simply about numbers or representation. It is about positioning Nigeria to thrive in a world where leadership diversity is increasingly linked to progress. With Nigeria’s population projected to reach 400 million by 2050, excluding women from political decision-making is a risk the country cannot afford’, she stated
Penpushing also reports that Attafuah explained that the engagement equally underscored the critical role of the media in shaping narratives and influencing public perception, and drew comparisons with international best practices,
The United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) Resident Representative emphasized that the stories told about women in politics, governance, and leadership can either reinforce barriers or open doors.
Penpushing reports that she called on media leaders to partner with the United Nations (UN) family beyond the immediate legislative reforms and the 2027 elections, to foster a long-term pathway for women’s political leadership in Nigeria.
“Today is the beginning of a co-creation journey. Together, we can institutionalize platforms for sustained dialogue, collaboration, and advocacy. The media has the power not only to report but to shape the discourse and catalyze change’, Attafuah said.
Penpushing further reports that the editors welcomed the call for collaboration and expressed interest in working with the United Nations (UN) to amplify women’s voices in politics and governance.
The participants reflected on examples from countries like Rwanda and Uganda, where strategic media framing not only elevated women’s leadership but also created broader economic and social gains through positive national storytelling.
Penpushing also reports that the meeting concluded with an invitation to institutionalize engagements between the United Nations (UN) and media leaders to jointly track progress, share stories, and shape national discourse on inclusive leadership.
The United Nations (UN) in Nigeria reaffirmed its commitment—to continue supporting inclusive governance reforms, advancing the Reserved Seats Bill, and positioning Nigeria to meet its global commitments under the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) and the Beijing Platform for Action.
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