The NAF Foundation for young women has concluded the training phase of its Voices of Change: Legislative Edition. This civic leadership programme equips young women with skills and confidence to participate in governance, legislative processes, and democratic engagement ahead of Nigeria’s 2027 general elections. The initiative directly addresses the persistent under-representation of women in political leadership.

Following a highly competitive process with over 100 applications, 20 fellows completed six weeks of intensive virtual training covering legislative leadership, constitutionalism, elections and political representation, public speaking, and ethical leadership.

Sessions were led by experts from governance, law and public leadership, including two alumni from the maiden edition, showcasing the programme’s growing pipeline of young women leaders who continue to contribute to civic and democratic development.

Transitioning from theory to practice, fellows attended a capacity-building workshop on May 23, 2026, which prepared them for a Youth Mock Assembly simulation. During the mock session, participants assumed legislative roles, debated public policy issues, applied parliamentary procedures, and presented recommendations for societal challenges.

The programme culminates in a graduation ceremony on Friday, June 12, 2026, in commemoration of Nigeria’s Democracy Day, a national observance that honours the country’s democratic journey and the enduring struggle for democratic governance under the theme “Young Women Shaping Nigeria’s Democratic Future.”

The event will celebrate the fellows and reflect on the role of young women in strengthening democratic governance and political representation.

Executive Director of the NAF Foundation for Young Women, Nafisa Atiku Adejuwon said, “We remain committed to building a generation of informed and engaged young women leaders, these fellows are fully prepared to contribute meaningfully to democratic development at local, state, and national levels.”