Abuja: African women leaders, policymakers, and advocates have intensified calls for structural reforms to boost women’s political participation across the continent, as the 9th Africa Women Conference opened with powerful appeals for inclusion, legislative innovation, and coordinated Pan-African action. Delivering the keynote address themed ‘Legacy Meets Innovation: Women Forging New Pathways for Africa’s Sustainable Development,’ Mrs. Osasu Igbinedion-Ogwauche expressed her advocacy as a belief that Africa could ‘write a different story, one where women are not just spoken about, but listened to, not just allowed to serve, but expected to lead.’
According to Voice of Nigeria, Igbinedion-Ogwauche highlighted progress across regions including Ghana, East Africa, Southern Africa, and Rwanda, noting that functional quota systems have pushed representation as high as 61 percent. As a coalition champion of the Reserved Seats for Women Bill (HB 1349), which proposes 182 new constitutionally guaranteed seats for women across federal and state legislatures, she emphasized that ‘this is not sentiment; it is justice. a time-bound correction to decades of exclusion.’ She further noted that implementing the bill would cost less than one percent of the National Assembly’s budget.
Advocacy innovations aimed at increasing transparency in parliamentary voting were also discussed. ‘When people are informed, they are empowered. Making facts public is a radical act,’ Igbinedion-Ogwauche added. A panel focusing on ‘Advancing Inclusive Governance through the Empowerment of Women and Youths’ reiterated the various advocacy calls.
Mrs. Asiya Sani Sulaiman, Senior Special Adviser on Trade and Investment to the Chairman of Abaji Area Council, emphasized that Africa’s demographic potential can be realized ‘through building skill gaps and education.’ Meanwhile, Fatima Talba, representing Nangere/Potiskum Federal Constituency, shared her experience from a Sharia-compliant state, asserting that ‘there is no hindrance in religion to accessing political positions.’ She highlighted the importance of persistence and unity.
Dr. Ramatu Tijjani Aliyu, former All Progressives Congress National Woman Leader, urged the presidency and First Lady to support the bill, stating, ‘Wherever you find women, you’ll find justice. We are calling for equity, justice, and inclusivity.’ Igbinedion-Ogwauche outlined practical advocacy strategies such as decentralizing geopolitical structures, translating into local languages, and applying coordinated pressure from civil society, governors’ spouses, and pop-culture influencers.
The conference concluded with a call for a Pan-African quota framework and ‘bold alliances, not polite ones,’ as stakeholders committed to transforming ideas into legislation, systems, and lasting institutions. The event brought together ministers, diplomats, development experts, and delegates from various African countries.