Anambra 2025: Poor female participation in politics worries Women Trust Fund

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By Madu Obi

The consistent low participation of women in politics is worrying the Nigerian Women Trust Fund, which attributed the situation to unfavourable competitive environment.

Releasing its analysis of the pre-election environment in Awka on Friday, the organization observed that political parties in Anambra have continued to prioritize male aspirants, especially for high-stakes positions, like governor.

In this year's election, there are only two female governorship candidates out of 16, although some of the political parties chose women as running mates.

The project coordinator of Nigerian Women Trust Fund, Vaneza Gregory, who presented the report lamented that women are mostly confined to supporting or deputy roles, with only six female deputy governorship candidates and two female governorship candidates among 16 parties.

According to her, female aspirants face persistent gender stereotypes questioning their competence and family roles, arguing that such narratives frame politics as incompatible with women’s domestic responsibilities, undermining their credibility and discouraging participation

She said: "Women in politics encounter targeted intimidation—from cyber bullying and moral attacks on social media, to verbal abuse and exclusion from key meetings. These tactics silence women and increase personal and political risks.

Although parties advertise discounts and voluntary quotas, they rarely translate into real opportunities. Major parties failed to field women as governorship candidates, leaving meaningful inclusion to smaller parties with limited visibility."

She said that although women make up over half of registered voters, they remain severely underrepresented as aspirants and candidates, adding that party primaries continue to be a critical choke point, with few women aspirants and weak institutional support.

She added: "Conversion from participation to winning office remains minimal; women occupy only 3.33% of seats in the Anambra State House of Assembly.

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The four dominant parties exhibit limited commitment to gender inclusion, compared to smaller parties that have shown more openness. While some progress is seen in the appointment of female running mates, such gestures do not substitute for top-tier political access.

Subnational representation of women remains alarmingly low, reflecting systemic barriers throughout the political pipeline. Despite underrepresentation in elective office, women remain more visible in the civil service and appointive roles".

She urged the Independent National Electoral Commission, INEC, to enforce gender-sensitive electoral guidelines for inclusive primaries and nominations, as well as publish gender-disaggregated data on party primaries, registration, turnout, and candidacy.

"The 2025 Anambra governorship election represents more than a ballot—it is a litmus test of Nigeria’s commitment to inclusive democracy. Without deliberate action, women risk continued exclusion from spaces of power."

However, with bold advocacy, informed voter engagement, and genuine institutional reform, Anambra can set a new standard for inclusive governance. Political parties must open the doors, the media must amplify women’s voices, and institutions must translate rhetoric into action.

"If these shifts take root, Anambra can lead the way—proving that women are not just voters, but leaders shaping the future of democracy in Nigeria", Gregory stated.