Nigeria Suffers Poor Leadership Due to Women’s Exclusion – SIDEC
The Executive Director of the Social and Integral Development Centre (SIDEC), Ugochi Ehiahuruike, has emphasized that gender inclusion is essential for achieving sustainable development, noting that Nigeria’s leadership challenges stem largely from the persistent exclusion of women from positions of power.
Speaking during a market sensitization event on gender equity, social inclusion, and accountability at Ogbaru Main Market in Anambra State, Ehiahuruike argued that national progress has been stunted due to the systemic sidelining of women in leadership.
The event was organized by SIDEC in collaboration with the Joint National Association of Persons with Disabilities (JONAPWD) and the National Council for Women Societies (NCWS), with support from the Women’s Rights Advancement and Protection Alternative (WRAPA), in partnership with the Policy and Legal Advocacy Centre (PLAC) and the Peering Advocacy and Advancement Centre in Africa (PAACA).
According to her, Nigeria will only experience quality and accountable leadership when women are granted equitable access to political and administrative power at all levels of governance.
“We currently have only one woman in the 30-member Anambra State House of Assembly and just one female local government chairperson out of 21,” “Governor Chukwuma Soludo’s cabinet includes only six female commissioners. We need broader representation across all levels, including communities and markets. That is why we are mounting this campaign—to see more women occupy leadership positions in our markets.”she stated.
She further argued that when women are entrusted with leadership, the country benefits.
“Women are better managers of resources and are generally less prone to corruption. They consider the long-term implications of their actions, especially for future generations,” she said.
Ehiahuruike cited the positive outcome of a previous campaign advocating for women’s involvement in the leadership of the Anambra State Town Unions (formerly ASATU, now ASTUC), which led to the establishment of a dedicated Women’s Wing.
“We are replicating that success in the market space to ensure women are included in market governance structures,” she explained.
However, she also stated that women must prove themselves when given the opportunity.
“I urge women not to disappoint when the inclusion we are advocating for is granted. We must always justify the confidence reposed in us.”she added.
Responding to the call for greater female participation, the women’s leader of the market, Ugochi Nevorji, expressed readiness on behalf of the traders. “Women can no longer afford to remain on the sidelines. Society belongs to all of us, regardless of gender. The time has come for women to step forward. We have the right to participate.”Nevorji stated.
The Chairman of the market, Ndubuisi Ochogu, affirmed the market leadership’s commitment to gender inclusion.
“We value our women and are committed to ensuring they get what rightfully belongs to them. We will continue to involve them in our decisions—they are an integral part of our market,” he said.
The sensitization campaign is scheduled to continue across all three senatorial districts of Anambra State.
