2025: NILOWV to focus on WARD2WARD, disability inclusion, GBV in politics

The League of Women Voters of Nigeria (NILOWV) has rilled out its programmes for 2025 with emphasis on WARD2WARD Her Seat In Parliament (Her SIP) campaign; promoting women and women with disabilities inclusion in leadership positions at all levels; as well as campaign against Gender Based Violence (GBV) in the political space.
NILOWV President, Hon Irene Awunah-Ikyegh, in a new year message in Abuja, said the league was excited about the progress made in the year ended, and look forward to the exciting opportunities that 2025 holds, as well as opportunities available in advancing women’s rights and promoting inclusive leadership as an organisation.
She, however, acknowledged the challenges that lay ahead, stating, “It is with renewed determination and collective resolve as a team that we embark on this new journey.”
The President noted that, “This year 2025, our advocacy efforts will focus on promoting women and women with disabilities inclusion in leadership positions at all levels in Nigeria.
We recognise that true democracy can only be achieved when all citizens have equal opportunities to participate in the decision-making process.
“NILOWV, as an organisation, is determined to uphold her mission to create a Nigeria where women are fully represented and included in leadership positions. We will work tirelessly to promote gender equality, challenge discriminatory norms, and advocate for policies that support women’s empowerment.
“To achieve this goal, we will be rolling out a series of initiatives, including capacity building programmes, advocacy campaigns, and community engagement activities. We will work closely with stakeholders, including government agencies, civil society organisations, and community leaders, to ensure that our efforts are inclusive, effective, and sustainable.”
According to Awunah-Ikyegh, “One of NILOWV’s flagship programmes for 2025 is the second phase of our campaign against Gender Based Violence (GBV) in the political space.
We are aware that violence against women in politics is one of the major obstacle to their participation and representation. Through this campaign, we will work to raise awareness, build capacity, and advocate for policies and laws that promote a safe and inclusive environment for women in politics.
“Another exciting initiative we will be unveiling in 2025 is our WARD2WARD Her Seat In Parliament (Her SIP) campaign. This campaign aims to promote women’s representation in the National and State Assemblies, with a focus on the 74 special seats bill which will provide more opportunities for women to participate in leadership positions by intentionally increasing their numbers in Parliament.
“We encourage every well meaning Nigerian to support and promote this Bill as it is not just about women but for every citizen as we believe that women’s participation in decision making positions is critical to achieving inclusive and equitable development for the benefit of every citizen.”
She further stated, “To achieve the objectives of our WARD2WARD Her SAN campaign, we will be working closely with women leaders, women’s groups, community groups, and traditional and religious leaders other stakeholders and gatekeepers at the grassroots level.
“We will provide training, mentorship, and support to women aspiring to leadership positions, as well as advocate for policies and laws that promote women’s representation.
“Our WARD2WARD Her SIP campaign will take advantage of our existing structure at the grassroots level, where we have local government coordinators and ward leaders under the supervision of the State Chairpersons.
“We recognise that our work cannot be done in isolation so we are open to partnership with other civil society organisations as well as development partners, including UN Women, Action Aid Nigeria Ford Foundation and International Republican Institute (IRI), Westminster Foundations for Democracy, British High commission and various embassies to support our upcoming project.
“We believe that together we can make a significant impact in promoting women’s rights and inclusive leadership in Nigeria. We need your support to make this project a reality, to empower women and promote gender equality, to challenge deep sited discriminatory norms, and advocate for policies that support women’s empowerment. We look forward to partnering with you to create a brighter future for women in Nigeria.”
The president expressed optimism that, “In 2025, we will continue to push boundaries, challenge the status quo, and advocate for a more inclusive and equitable society. We will work to build a Nigeria where women and women with disabilities have equal opportunities to participate in leadership positions and contribute to the country’s development.
“We will also be launching a series of initiatives, including capacity-building programs, advocacy campaigns, and community engagement activities. We will work closely with stakeholders, including government agencies, civil society organisations, and community leaders, to ensure that our efforts are inclusive, effective, and sustainable.”