By Bashir Aliyu
Abuja – The Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) has reiterated its commitment to promoting gender equality and empowering women in Nigeria’s electoral process.
In a statement issued on Saturday in Abuja to mark International Women’s Day (IWD), Victoria Eta-Messi, Director of Voter Education and Publicity, highlighted the commission’s efforts to ensure women’s inclusion and representation in leadership and decision-making roles.
Eta-Messi emphasized that the IWD celebration serves as a reminder of the remarkable contributions of women to society, including within the electoral system, and the need for accelerated action toward achieving true gender parity.
She noted that INEC has made significant strides in advancing gender equality, with women occupying key leadership positions within the commission. Under the current leadership, two out of 12 National Commissioners are women, representing 16.7% of the top decision-making body. Additionally, the position of Secretary to the Commission, which oversees INEC’s operations, is held by a woman.
At the regional level, four out of 32 Resident Electoral Commissioners are women, accounting for 12.5% of this critical leadership group. Meanwhile, 12 out of 37 Administrative Secretaries are women, representing 32.4% of administrative leadership. Among the 26 Directors, 11 are women, making up 42.3% of the leadership in this category.
“These numbers reflect the progress made, but INEC recognizes the need for ongoing efforts to achieve greater gender equality across all leadership levels,” Eta-Messi stated.
The commission is also implementing policies to encourage greater participation of women at all levels of the electoral process, from candidates and voters to election administrators and party representatives. Eta-Messi stressed that INEC is committed to breaking down barriers faced by women, including societal expectations, lack of support systems, and gender-based violence.
“As INEC celebrates this year’s International Women’s Day, it reaffirms its dedication to gender equality. The commission understands that the future of democracy in Nigeria is deeply tied to the empowerment of women and their full participation in the electoral process,” she said.
Eta-Messi called on all Nigerians, both men and women, to join in advancing gender equality not only in the electoral process but across all aspects of life.
“When women are empowered to take leadership roles and given equal opportunities, Nigeria’s democracy will be stronger, governance will be more inclusive, and the future will be brighter for everyone,” she added.
