Women in Leadership in Nigeria

Women in Nigeria are steadily rising to positions of leadership across various sectors, from politics and business to civil society and education.

Despite facing significant cultural, social, and systemic challenges, Nigerian women are breaking barriers, advocating for change, and shaping the future of the nation.

This feature explores the progress of women in leadership roles in Nigeria, the obstacles they continue to face, and the steps being taken to empower more women to lead.

The Historical Context: A Journey of Struggle and Progress

Historically, Nigerian women have been influential in their communities, often holding significant roles in commerce, agriculture, and as leaders within their families. Pre-colonial Nigeria witnessed women like Queen Amina of Zazzau and Funmilayo Ransome-Kuti leading military and political movements. However, with the advent of colonial rule and Western influence, women’s roles were increasingly marginalized, particularly in formal leadership positions.

The post-colonial period saw women actively participating in Nigeria’s independence movement, but their representation in leadership roles remained limited. Since then, there have been gradual strides toward inclusion, but the journey has been slow and fraught with challenges.

Women in Politics: Shattering the Glass Ceiling

Women’s participation in Nigerian politics has been growing, though they remain underrepresented. Key milestones have been achieved in recent years, with women holding high-ranking positions in government. Dr. Ngozi Okonjo-Iweala, the current Director-General of the World Trade Organization and former Nigerian Minister of Finance, is one of the most prominent examples of Nigerian women excelling on the global stage.

Nigeria’s legislative bodies have seen a few trailblazing women take up seats. In 2007, Patricia Etteh became the first female Speaker of the Nigerian House of Representatives. However, female representation in the National Assembly remains low, with women making up less than 10% of lawmakers. Societal norms, limited access to funding, and party structures dominated by men often hinder women from contesting or winning political offices.

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To address this, the Nigerian government and advocacy groups have been pushing for gender-inclusive policies. The National Gender Policy aims for 35% affirmative action in public office appointments, though this has not yet been fully realized.

Women in Business: Driving Innovation and Economic Growth

In the business world, Nigerian women are making significant strides, leading companies and driving innovation in industries traditionally dominated by men. Aliko Dangote may be Africa’s richest man, but Folorunso Alakija, a billionaire in her own right, is one of the most successful women in business, with interests in fashion, oil, and real estate.

Women entrepreneurs are particularly strong in Nigeria’s burgeoning tech scene. For example, Funke Opeke, founder of MainOne, is a leading figure in telecommunications and internet services in West Africa. Women are also leading in finance, with Ibukun Awosika, former Chairperson of First Bank of Nigeria, and other trailblazing female executives paving the way for future generations.

However, women in business often face significant obstacles, such as limited access to capital, discrimination, and societal expectations that prioritize domestic roles. The rise of women-focused business initiatives like the SheTrades Commonwealth and Women in Business Initiative are helping to address these challenges by providing mentorship, networking opportunities, and financial support to women entrepreneurs.

Civil Society and Advocacy: Women as Champions of Change

Nigerian women have long been at the forefront of civil society and advocacy, championing human rights, gender equality, and social justice. Women like Hafsat Abiola, founder of the Kudirat Initiative for Democracy (KIND), and Aisha Yesufu, a prominent voice in the #EndSARS movement, have become symbols of activism and resistance in Nigeria.

The work of women-led non-governmental organizations (NGOs) has been instrumental in pushing for reforms in areas such as women’s rights, healthcare, and education. For example, the Women’s Rights Advancement and Protection Alternative (WRAPA) and the Stand to End Rape Initiative (STER) are just a few organizations led by women that are advocating for survivors of gender-based violence and working to change Nigeria’s legal and cultural landscape regarding women’s rights.

Challenges Women Leaders Face in Nigeria

While there has been significant progress, Nigerian women in leadership continue to face a variety of challenges that limit their full participation in leadership roles.

Cultural Norms and Gender Stereotypes: Traditional patriarchal norms continue to dictate that women should prioritize domestic responsibilities over leadership roles. Women in leadership positions often face societal pressure to conform to gender stereotypes, making it difficult to assert themselves in male-dominated spaces.

Lack of Political Representation: The political landscape in Nigeria remains overwhelmingly male, with limited pathways for women to ascend to leadership roles. The cost of running for office, political party dynamics, and the threat of violence during elections are significant barriers.

Financial Constraints: Whether in business or politics, access to funding remains one of the biggest obstacles for Nigerian women aspiring to leadership positions. Many women lack the financial resources or networks that their male counterparts have, limiting their ability to fund campaigns, start businesses, or pursue leadership roles.

Balancing Professional and Domestic Responsibilities: Many Nigerian women leaders face the dual challenge of balancing their professional ambitions with societal expectations related to family life and caregiving. This can limit their availability for leadership roles and create additional pressure to “prove themselves” in professional environments.

Empowering Women Leaders: Steps Toward Progress

Efforts to promote women in leadership in Nigeria have been growing. From government initiatives to grassroots advocacy, various programs aim to equip women with the skills, resources, and opportunities to lead effectively.

Education and Capacity Building: Education plays a critical role in empowering women for leadership. Investments in girls’ education and leadership training programs, such as the African Women’s Leadership Network and the Women’s International Leadership Program, are essential for building the next generation of female leaders in Nigeria.

Affirmative Action Policies: To increase women’s representation in leadership, there have been calls for stronger affirmative action policies. The proposed Gender and Equal Opportunities Bill, which has been debated in the Nigerian Senate, seeks to promote gender equality in public and private spheres. Advocates are pushing for this bill to be passed into law to guarantee equal opportunities for women in leadership positions.

Mentorship and Networking: Female mentorship programs and professional networks like Women in Successful Careers (WISCAR) provide guidance and support to emerging women leaders. These programs help build confidence, provide role models, and create opportunities for women to excel in leadership roles.

Economic Empowerment Programs: Access to finance is crucial for women aspiring to leadership roles in business. Programs like the Central Bank of Nigeria’s Women Entrepreneurship Fund and the Bank of Industry’s Gender Business Support Initiative provide financial assistance to women entrepreneurs, enabling them to scale their businesses and lead in their industries.

The Future of Women in Leadership in Nigeria

The future looks promising for Nigerian women in leadership, as more women break barriers and take up leadership positions across different sectors. Increased access to education, financial empowerment, and supportive policies are opening doors for more women to rise to leadership roles. Additionally, the growing recognition of the importance of gender diversity in leadership is creating more opportunities for women to contribute to the nation’s progress.

Conclusion: A Call for Gender Equality in Leadership

Women in leadership positions are essential to Nigeria’s development, and their inclusion brings diverse perspectives that enhance decision-making processes. While the road to gender equality in leadership is still long, Nigerian women have proven their resilience and capability time and again. With continued advocacy, institutional support, and societal change, the vision of a more inclusive leadership landscape in Nigeria is within reach.