Shobha outlined concrete demands. Quotas and reservations, where appropriate, can disrupt systems that repeatedly favour men. But numbers alone are insufficient. Institutions must become places where women can speak, lead and influence outcomes without punishment. Political parties must give women equal access to nominations, leadership roles, campaign finance and training, and confront internal discrimination and harassment.
Societies must also tackle the unequal distribution of care. Public investment in affordable childcare, parental leave and social protection is a political necessity. As long as care work remains heavily feminised, women's equal participation in public life will stay out of reach.
A critical moment for Nigeria and beyond
The African Girls Empowerment Network (AGE Network) session took place as Nigeria prepares for its 2027 elections - an important window for advocates to push for stronger inclusion. Shobha, founder-Executive Director of CNS is known for her leadership role at SHE & Rights global campaign for gender equality and human right to health. She also authored the 2026 book "Justice Unbound: Feminist Voices on Gender Equality, Health Rights, and Inclusive Futures," linked political representation to wider struggles for health equity and social justice.
Her message was unambiguous. A system that leaves half its population underrepresented in the institutions that decide the policies for everyone is not yet a full democracy. Inclusive democracy is a gender justice issue because the exclusion of women systematically shapes laws, resources and priorities in ways that disadvantage women and girls.
Until political power is redistributed - not merely complemented with a few more female faces - the claim of equal citizenship will remain incomplete. Half the world continues to wait for its fair share of power.
Bobby Ramakant - CNS (Citizen News Service)
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