Akingbulu seeks collaborative efforts to empower, amplify women’s voice 

To mark this year’s International Women’s Day, Executive Director Centre for Media and Society (CEMESO), Akin Akingbulu, has urged policy-makers, civil society organisations, the media and the private sector to work together in challenging harmful societal norms, promoting economic empowerment and amplifying women’s voice.

Akingbulu emphasised the need for positive action, especially on barriers, which hinder effective female representation in governance in the country. He stressed the need for political parties to restructure their internal systems to ensure women are provided more space to emerge as candidates and winners in elections.

He sought comprehensive financial inclusion programmes that provide women with better access to credit and funding, while stressing the need for skill development and vocational training, particularly in emerging sectors such as technology, agriculture, and green energy, to equip women with the tools needed to succeed in an evolving job market.

Akingbulu observed low access and visibility in mainstream media further reinforce societal biases, often diminishing women’s leadership potential. He advocated three approaches to address this issue: the media must take an active role in amplifying women’s voices and perspectives; there should be investment in women-led media platforms, digital literacy training, and online advocacy programmes to empower women in the digital space; and strengthening legal protections against online harassment to ensure that women can participate freely in public discourse without fear of intimidation or cyberbullying.

Akingbulu noted that deep-rooted cultural biases discourage women from entering governance, while double standards demand that women continually prove their competence beyond what is expected of men.

He highlighted certain socio-religious misconceptions that contribute to gender inequality, particularly in cases of child marriage, discriminatory inheritance laws, and the stigmatisation of divorced or single mothers.