The Women Environment and Youth Development Initiative (WOYODEV) has intensified efforts to promote women’s political participation in Enugu State with two advocacy engagements held ahead of the 2027 general elections.
The first visit was hosted by His Royal Highness, Igwe Chinedu N. Nwobodo, alongside members of his cabinet and community religious leaders in Enugu on February 21, 2026.
The meeting focused on strengthening gender-inclusive governance at the grassroots level and expanding institutional pathways for women’s political participation. Discussions also examined the role of the Inter-Party Advisory Council (IPAC), which coordinates 19 registered political parties in the state, and the need for deliberate leadership frameworks that prioritize women.
Igwe Nwobodo said his community had taken steps to improve women’s representation, citing the presence of female councilors, ten women serving in cabinet positions, and female representation in the Caretaker Town Union.
He pledged continued support for women’s political inclusion and advocated affirmative action measures, including reserved seats, to address systemic barriers. He also encouraged interested women to formally indicate their intention to contest political positions through the palace and WOYODEV platform.
The IPAC Chairman, represented at the engagement, noted that only the African Democratic Congress (ADC) in the state is currently chaired by a woman, describing it as progress but stressing the need for broader inclusion across parties.
The second engagement took place at the Civic Centre in Amechi Awkunanaw and was hosted by Igwe John Omedoaku Ngene (Ohachirieze III).
The forum brought together traditional leaders, political representatives, religious leaders, and community stakeholders to address the underrepresentation of women in political leadership.
Participants highlighted low representation of women from the council to national levels, structural and cultural barriers limiting participation, and the need for mentorship, resources, and community endorsement.
WOYODEV’s Senior Program Officer said that although many women show interest in leadership, systemic challenges often hinder their success.
Representing the IPAC Chairman, the State Secretary, Hon. Aliyu Adamu Kwankwaso, reaffirmed gender equality as a policy priority and urged stakeholders to support aspiring women leaders.
Mr. Emma Ugwu called on women to remain resilient, urging them not to see electoral defeat as failure but as part of leadership development.
Religious leaders pledged to encourage women in their congregations to seek leadership roles while emphasizing integrity and moral values in public service.
WOYODEV said it would continue community dialogue, leadership training, mentorship programmes and advocacy for institutional reforms to promote gender equity in governance.
