‘Political parties obstacle to 35 per cent affirmative action implementation’

Executive, Alliance For Africa (AFA), Iheoma Obibi, has said political parties are the strongest obstacles women face in gaining access to political power.

According to her, the resistance to women in most parties is high, through not giving considerations and concessions to women in parties’ structures. She, however, blamed it on lack of legal framework in political parties act for gender parity.

She said: ”The number of women elected into public offices in Nigeria has not increased significantly. Ideally, decision-making across all leadership levels, including elected positions, appointments into ministries, departments and agencies should have at least 35 per cent representation, but this is far from the reality in Nigeria, as women remain highly marginalised in governance and decision-making positions.

“Roles of godfathers, money-in-politics, delegate system, electoral violence with threats and harassment of women and other harmful cultural practices also pose serious challenges for women in politics.”