Women around the world experience injustice, gender based violence, hunger, sexual assault, inequality etc. which make them more vulnerable in the society. In Ekiti state women also experience marginalization, though progress has been made to empower Ekiti women/girls through introduction of free and compulsory basic education, women empowerment programs, signing of Gender-Based Violence (Prohibition) Law, 2019 but women experience marginalization in the decision circles.

Ekiti females are approximately half of Ekiti state population, according to the National Population Commission of Nigeria, 2006 census, which revealed that 1,215,487 make up the male population and 1,183,470 make up the female population while 2,398,957 make up entire population. In other words, female comprise of 49% of the entire population. Despite their number, Ekiti women found it difficult to influence decision and under-represented in leadership positions especially in elective positions.

Among the elected state House of Assembly (HoA) for 26 constituencies in Ekiti state 2019 general election, women make up 19% also in the entire 16 local governments, women make up 6% i.e. only 1 woman is chairperson as against 15 Chairmen in the local government areas.

As a concerned citizen, an advocate of gender equality, I call on all political parties to place gender based policies as priority for us to bridge the gender gap as well as inclusion of young people, people with disabilities and other marginalized group in decision making circles. Placing gender equality has priority will reduced societal problems such as unemployment, gender based violence, illiteracy and also improves economy of Ekiti state and Nigeria. We need women to play an equal role in decisions that affect their lives and entire society