In a renewed push for greater women’s involvement in politics, the League of Women Voters of Nigeria (NILOWV) and the Nigeria Association of Women Journalists (NAWOJ), Rivers State Chapter, have sought strategic partnerships with the University of Port Harcourt Women Association and the Traditional Ruler of Elelenwo, Eze Etor, Eze Sunny Weli Chukwu JP.
During an advocacy visit on Friday, 28 March 2025, the delegation, led by NILOWV Chairperson Dr. Ruth Davies Ibiamu, engaged with the wife of the Vice-Chancellor of the University of Port Harcourt, Prof. Udeme Owunari Georgewill, and the Elelenwo monarch to foster collaboration in empowering women politically and economically.
Dr. Ibiamu emphasized that the visit aimed to raise awareness and encourage women to participate actively in governance without fear. She pointed out NILOWV’s mission, rooted in the Beijing Declaration, to increase women’s representation in leadership positions.
“NILOWV and NAWOJ are advocating for women to step up and overcome the political barriers holding them back. We will take this campaign from community to community, ensuring that women with political ambitions are aware that they have the necessary support to succeed.
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“This time around, we want to prepare more women to be interested in political positions so that together, we can support a more vocal voice for that particular special seat at Parliament. Empowering women politically and economically will make them economically viable and politically ready in the society.
“I am one person who does not like politics but is passionate about making sure that women interested in politics are elected into their desired positions by providing them with a level of play ground.”
Also speaking, NAWOJ Rivers State Chairperson, Mrs. Susan Serekara-Nwhikana, stressed the need for women to be intentional about politics. She referenced Namibia, where both the President and Vice President are women, as an example of what is achievable when women are empowered.
“For years, NAWOJ Rivers State has been advocating for women’s education and training because education is the foundation of a strong society. Women must be strategically positioned and equipped to stand out in the political space.
She stressed the core role of NAWOJ as agenda setters and stated that such is capable of projecting women to the lime-light, to be politically empowered so that the 35 percent affirmative action that NAWOJ have been clamouring for over the years can be actualised.
“Women must be strategically positioned as well must be intentional about their desires to be in politics. They must be educated, sound, and smart. These are things that will make them stand out of the crowd.”
In response, Professor Georgewill welcomed the initiative but expressed concerns that women often hinder the progress of their fellow women in leadership. She stressed the importance of economic empowerment, describing it as a key factor in helping women gain political relevance.
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“Politics requires financial stability, and without economic empowerment, women may struggle to engage effectively. We must first empower ourselves economically before pushing for increased representation.”
She also noted that late-night political meetings are a major obstacle preventing many women from fully participating in politics, suggesting the need for more flexible structures that accommodate women’s roles in society.
Similarly, Eze Sunny Weli Chukwu JP pledged his support for the initiative, calling for additional skills acquisition programs to help women achieve financial independence.
He assured the NILOWV and NAWOJ delegation that he would mobilize women in his community for sensitization programs.
However, these commitments and the advocacy for increased women’s political participation in Rivers State gained further momentum, reinforcing the push for the long-sought 35% affirmative action in governance.
