As momentum builds around women’s political representation in Nigeria, TOS Foundation Africa, in partnership with the Embassy of Switzerland in Nigeria, has launched the HerCademy Legislative Mentorship Programme a targeted initiative to prepare women for public office and effective legislative leadership.

Founder of TOS Foundation Africa, Osasu Igbinedion-Ogwuche, said that Nigeria does not lack capable women. “What we lack are systems that expect women to lead and structures that support them to win and govern effectively.”

She emphasized that HerCademy is designed to go beyond access and focus on power and performance: “This is not just about participation; it is about power equipping women to understand how laws are made, how systems work, and how to lead with competence and clarity once they are in the room.”

The six-week programme brings together aspiring female leaders from across the country for intensive training, mentorship, and legislative simulations.

Speaking at the launch, Switzerland’s Chargé d’Affaires to Nigeria, Mr. Siamak Rouhani, highlighted the urgency of the intervention: “Women make up less than five percent of Nigeria’s National Assembly the lowest rate of female parliamentary representation in Africa.”

He added: “By investing in these aspiring parliamentarians, we are advancing inclusive governance as the backbone of a stable and prosperous society.”

A key highlight of the opening was a fireside conversation featuring Gill Lever, OBE, British Deputy High Commissioner, alongside Dr. Adanna Steinacker, Senior Special Assistant to the President on Women’s Health.

During the session, Lever underscored the realities of leadership for women in power: “Influence is not just about winning a seat. Effective leadership is what you do after you get the title how you deliver outcomes in systems not designed for you. Power is rarely given to women. It is usually negotiated and sometimes taken.”

The programme also features a distinguished faculty of facilitators, including Barrister Chimdi Nelachukwu, Special Assistant to the Speaker on Policy and Innovation; Dr. Chidozie Aja, Special Adviser to the Deputy Speaker on Legislative Affairs; and Dr. Osasuyi Dirisu, Executive Director of the Policy Innovation Centre.

Participants will engage in hands-on training in legislative processes, policy development, and political strategy equipping them not only to run for office, but to govern effectively.