Women worldwide 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. However, progress has been made to empower Ekiti women and girls, the introduced free and compulsory basic education, women empowerment programs and signing of Gender-Based Violence (Prohibition) Law, 2019 makes huge impact to close the gender gap, unfortunately Ekiti women still experience marginalization in the political landscape.

Ekiti females are approximately half of the 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 the entire population. In other words, female comprises 49% of the population. Despite their number, Ekiti women found it difficult to influence decisions and are under-represented in leadership positions especially in elective positions.

Among the elected state House of Assembly (HoA) for 26 constituencies in the Ekiti State 2019 general election, women make up 19% i.e five women out of 26 members. In the entire 16 Local Governments women make up 6% i.e. only one woman is chairperson against 15 Chairmen in the Local Government Areas.

To mark International Women’s Day 2021, we #ChooseToChallenge Ekiti State political space which is not favourable to the female gender, we call on all political parties to place gender-based policies as a priority for us to bridge the gender gap as well as the inclusion of young people, people with disabilities, and other marginalized groups in decision-making circles. Placing gender equality as a priority will reduced societal problems such as unemployment, gender based violence, illiteracy, and improve economy of Ekiti State and Nigeria. We need women to play equal role in decisions that affect their lives and the entire society.

Written by: Kayode Teslim Owoso and Adebayo Femi John

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