- The meeting was supported by the Abia State Ministry of Women Affairs and the German Embassy
The Director of the National Orientation Agency in Abia State, Regina Iruoha, has criticised male-dominated political leadership, calling for more inclusion of women in governance.
Speaking at a town hall meeting in Umuahia, organised by Stand To End Rape (STER), Iruoha said, “Women are more capable, and men are the causes of their political woes. All over the world, men have failed us.”
The event, themed ‘Amplifying Women Participation in Politics: With Special Focus on the Special Seat Bill,’ also featured remarks from the state Commissioner for Tertiary Education, Professor Uche Eme Uche, who urged women to stop clapping for men and support themselves instead.
Mrs Chinwe Odoemenam, Deputy Chairman of Umuahia North Local Government Area, noted that women, despite being society’s backbone and half of Nigeria’s population, remain underrepresented in politics. “A government that excludes women excludes progress,” she said.
STER Communication Officer Elfreda Adeleye emphasised that women occupy only 7% of National Assembly seats, a figure far from reflective of their population share.
The meeting, supported by the Abia State Ministry of Women Affairs and the German Embassy, called for urgent measures to empower women and enhance their participation in politics.