Dr. Onoyona Calls for Electoral Reforms to Boost Women’s Political Representation
LAGOS/Nigeria: Dr. Philomena Onoyona, President of the Hope Restored Advocacy Organization, has called for electoral reforms, including proportional representation, to create a more inclusive political environment for women in Nigeria. Speaking at a seminar in Chicago, USA, Dr. Onoyona highlighted the significant challenges facing women in both elective and appointed positions.
She revealed that less than 7 percent of Nigerian women participate in politics, despite their active roles in the country’s economic and civil sectors. “Women in Nigeria are highly involved, but we must encourage greater representation, particularly in the National Assembly,” she said.
Dr. Onoyona emphasised that achieving gender parity in Nigerian politics requires dismantling systemic barriers that prevent women from fully realising their leadership potential. She underscored the importance of allowing women to contribute meaningfully to national progress.
As co-founder and vice president of Delta Youths of Today, a youth-focused organisation, Dr. Onoyona also stressed that financial constraints are a major obstacle for women aspiring to political office. “The cost of acquiring nomination forms, running grassroots campaigns, and maintaining election efforts is a significant challenge for women,” she explained, calling for increased financial support for female candidates.
A key issue, she noted, is the prevailing societal perception of women in politics. “Women are often seen as supporters rather than leaders,” Dr. Onoyona said, lamenting how this mindset discourages participation. However, she pointed out that Nigerian women are increasingly demanding equal representation, confident in their skills and abilities to lead.
Dr. Onoyona, originally from Agbor, Delta State, urged women’s organisations to engage men as allies in promoting gender equality in politics. She also encouraged communities to support female candidates through volunteering, donations, and social media advocacy.
In addition, she stressed the importance of mentorship, with established female leaders guiding the next generation of women in politics. Dr. Onoyona concluded by calling for a concerted effort to address the underrepresentation of women in Nigerian politics, stating that the time for change is long overdue.
