CISLAC Calls for Urgent Reforms to Strengthen Women’s Participation in Nigeria

The Civil Society Legislative Advocacy Centre (CISLAC) has called for far-reaching reforms in Nigeria’s laws, policies and institutional practices to accelerate the development, protection and full participation of women and girls across the country.

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In a statement issued by its Executive Director, Auwal Musa Rafsanjani, the organisation warned that recent developments suggest a worrying setback in the progress previously recorded in advancing women’s rights and inclusion in Nigeria.

Rafsanjani noted that despite years of advocacy and growing awareness on gender equality, women and girls still face persistent structural inequalities that limit their opportunities and voices in national development.

According to CISLAC, discrimination and limited representation in decision-making spaces continue to undermine women’s ability to actively contribute to Nigeria’s democratic processes.

The organisation explained that although conversations around gender equality have increased, meaningful reforms to address the root causes of exclusion remain slow and inadequate.

CISLAC further observed that women remain significantly underrepresented in political leadership and governance structures, which continues to affect the formulation of inclusive policies that respond to their needs.
The advocacy group emphasised that the lack of strong affirmative action within political party structures has created barriers that prevent women from accessing both elective and appointive positions in government.

It noted that political parties, as key democratic institutions, must adopt inclusive internal policies that promote the participation of women and encourage their leadership ambitions.

CISLAC maintained that without deliberate and enforceable mechanisms to support women’s political participation, Nigeria risks weakening its democratic development and inclusive governance goals.

While highlighting the resilience of Nigerian women, the organisation acknowledged their significant contributions across sectors such as governance, business, education, healthcare and community leadership.

Rafsanjani stressed that women have continued to drive social and economic progress despite systemic challenges that limit their advancement.

The organisation therefore urged government institutions, political parties and other stakeholders to demonstrate stronger commitment toward dismantling barriers that hinder women’s empowerment and leadership.