A non-profit organisation, Dorothy Njemanze Foundation (DNF), has launched a compendium designed to enhance women’s inclusivity in leadership across politics, education, security, economy, health, and other sectors in Nigeria.

The event, held in Owerri, the Imo State capital, with the theme, “Creating a Safer, Better Society for All,” brought together traditional rulers, civil society groups, security agencies, government representatives, and media practitioners.

Speaking, the Executive Director, Dorothy Njemanze, said the continued underrepresentation of women in decision-making roles affects the diversity of views needed for governance and development, adding that, “genuine inclusion requires changes to structures and systems, not just increased representation.”

Njemanze said the compendium, aside from addressing long-standing gender representation gaps in the country, is a call to action “to build a society where power is shared with justice, accountability, and care.”

According to her, “this compendium provides practical recommendations tailored to areas such as governance, education, law enforcement, traditional institutions, and civil society.
“It includes steps for policymakers, security agencies, community leaders, civil society organisations, and religious and traditional institutions to promote equal participation, protect human rights, and reduce barriers that limit women and girls from taking up leadership roles.”

She reiterated the foundation’s commitment to supporting gender inclusion in both political and public service spaces and encouraged institutions to apply the compendium as a tool for meaningful change.

Some of the participants, including the State Commissioner of Police, Aboki Danjuma, represented by the Command’s spokesman, DSP Henry Okoye, HRH Eze Clinton Uboegbulam, Dr. June Ohanele of Development Dynamics, and Ms. Blessing Duru of the Alliances for Africa, acknowledged the need for reforms and wider inclusion in governance and leadership.

The participants highlighted the importance of community involvement, cultural understanding, and accountability in the implementation of gender policies, noting that while progress has been made in some areas, additional steps are necessary to support the full participation of women in leadership.

They urged relevant authorities and stakeholders to adopt the compendium’s recommendations and include them in policy and planning processes at both the national and state levels.