The Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) has reaffirmed its commitment to advancing gender equality in Nigeria’s electoral process, as the country celebrates International Women’s Day.
In a statement, INEC’s Director of Voter Education and Publicity, Mrs. Victoria Eta-Messi, hailed the invaluable contributions women have made in shaping society and the electoral landscape. She emphasized that achieving gender equality is crucial for strengthening democracy, citing this year’s International Women’s Day theme, “Accelerate Action”.
INEC has made significant strides in promoting gender equality, with women holding key positions within the Commission. Currently, two of the 12 National Commissioners are women, and the Secretary of the Commission is also a woman. Additionally, four of the 32 Resident Electoral Commissioners are women and 12 out of 37 Administrative Secretaries are women, accounting for 32.4% of the leadership.
Despite these gains, INEC acknowledges that gender equality remains a work in progress. The Commission is committed to eliminating barriers that prevent women from participating in the electoral process, including societal expectations, lack of support systems and gender-based violence.
INEC’s efforts aim to break down these barriers and promote gender equality, recognizing that it is foundational to a strong democracy. The Commission urges all Nigerians to support gender equality, not just in the electoral process, but in every aspect of life
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