Women In Politics Not Zero-Sum Game- Ogun Dep. Gov

Ogun State Deputy Governor, Engr. Noimot Salako-Oyedele, has said that women in politics was not a zero-sum game, hence, the need to build alliances across gender lines.

She said that politics should not be a battle of masculinity but rather a partnership aimed at a better Nigeria.

Salako-Oyedele made this known while delivering her keynote address at the Nigerian Women Leadership and Empowerment Conference 2025, tagged ‘Women Inclusion in politics: Challenges, Prospects and the way forward’ organised by the House of Representatives Committee on Women Affairs and Social Development in collaboration with Nigerian Women International Magazine, held at the NAF Conference Center, Abuja.

She said that one of the biggest misconceptions about women’s political participation was that it threatens male dominance, as though leadership is a finite resource, noting that countries with higher female representation in parliament such as Iceland and Rwanda tend to have stronger social policies, lower corruption levels, and more inclusive economic growth.

She said: “If we truly want to build a Nigeria where opportunity is available to all, then we must see women in politics not as competitors or usurpers but as partners in progress. The truth is, politics is not a zero-sum game. Increasing women’s representation does not mean taking power away from men, it only means that we create a more balanced and effective government.

“If we truly want to have an inclusive democracy, we must address the challenges women face in politics to includes; structural barriers, where women are placed in parties with little chance of winning, lack of funds; as politics is expensive, cultural and social norms, where women are told to wait for their turn and electoral violence and intimidation.”

On the solution for greater inclusion, Salako-Oyedele highlighted some key strategies such as, pushing for affirmative action in major political parties, women should sustain political engagement and not just be an election time activism, making funding for women in politics beyond one off initiative, encouraging male allies in the advocacy movement and ensure that women position themselves strategically for leadership.

She, however, said that women’s inclusion in politics was not just about fairness, but effectiveness, as societies thrive when women have equal opportunities to lead.

In his remarks the Speaker, House of Representatives, Rt. Hon. Tajudeen Abass, said the house shall continue to exercise diligent oversight of government institutions to ensure adherence to the national gender policy, bolster the Women’s Caucus to champion gender specific issues effectively, and support electoral reforms that ensure a fixed quarter of female candidates.

He added that the house would also enable both legislation to safeguard women in politics from violence and intimidation, thereby aligning their political framework with the constitution, principles of fairness and freedom, revealing that he recently requested that All Progressive Congress the all progressive (APC) to include all its female members in the party’s national executive committee, which is first of it kind in the history of the party.

Also speaking, the Chairman House of Representatives Committee on women Affairs and Social Development, Hon. Kafilat Adetola Ogbara, said the event was organised to discuss issues surrounding women leadership, breaking barrier and create confidence for future generations as well as celebrate the strength, resilient and potentials of women across Nigeria and to also foster an environment where every women can thrive , live and inspire.

She added that plans are underway to unveil national compendium for women in leadership position as it will chronicle their contributions across various sectors and highlight their potentials for higher level of leadership for the benefit of the nation.

In her words: “Each one of us has a role to play in shaping the future of women leadership in Nigeria. Together we can advocate for policies that promote gender equality, support initiatives that empower women and create an avenue where every woman’s voice is heard, valued and respected. Our voice is our power.”