“It is neither just nor sustainable for women to be celebrated as the backbone of political campaigns, yet remain underrepresented where critical decisions are conceived and made”
Ogbara wants more women entrusted with leadership, influence, responsibility in political institutions
By Nudoiba Ojen
The Chairman, House of Representatives Committee on Women Affairs and Social Development, Hon. Kafilat Ogbara, has harped on the need to entrust more women with leadership, influence and responsibility in political institutions.
Ogbara said that “it is neither just nor sustainable for women to be celebrated as the backbone of political campaigns, yet remain underrepresented where critical decisions are conceived and made”.
The National Assembly member representing Kosofe Federal Constituency of Lagos State said that “women who have attained positions of leadership also bear a solemn obligation to mentor, support, and intentionally create opportunities for other capable women. Genuine solidarity must transcend public declarations and find expression in deliberate action”.
The All Progressives Congress Federal lawmaker spoke as a guest speaker at the 2026 National Women’s Summit of the All Progressives Grand Alliance (APGA), themed: “Advancing Women’s Inclusion in Politics and Governance: Addressing Barriers to Women’s Participation and Representation”.
She said that the summit was yet a significant opportunity to engage with distinguished women leaders, policymakers, and other stakeholders on the imperative of advancing women’s meaningful participation in Nigeria’s democratic and governance architecture.
Reflecting on the summit in a post, Ogbara said, “In my address, I observed that the true measure of an inclusive democracy is not the visibility of women during political mobilisation, but the extent to which they are entrusted with leadership, influence, and responsibility within our political institutions.
“I further emphasised that the responsibility for advancing women’s inclusion does not rest solely with government or political parties.
“While acknowledging the significance of the Reserved Seats for Women Bill as an important legislative intervention, I stressed that legislation alone cannot substitute for political sincerity.
“The commitment of political parties to women’s inclusion must be demonstrated through transparent, equitable, and merit-based internal democratic processes. Women’s political participation cannot continue to be the subject of eloquent rhetoric while opportunities for leadership remain disproportionately inaccessible.
“I commend the organisers for convening this timely and important summit and for sustaining National Conversation on women participation.
“I remain steadfast in my commitment to supporting reforms, policies, and initiatives that strengthen our institutions, and expand opportunities for women to contribute fully to the governance and development of Nigeria,” the federal lawmaker stated.
