Outcome NGA_D_1.2

A cadre of diverse and capable women leaders is established in Nigeria

A cadre of 189 capable women leaders, including young women, was developed in Nigeria ahead of the 2023 general elections. These women leaders are currently equipped with leadership skills to to the standards of fulfilling leadership roles and obligations in offices as a result of their participation to the the training academy established by UN Women. With UN Women’s support and through the young women’s academy, 50 young women leaders in Kogi State were inspired to join political parties and establish a network for young women in politics, and a network of young women in politics was also established to serve as a platform for peer learning and a pressure group to advocate and lobby for greater participation of young women in politics and governance. A beneficiary of the training decided to contest for the position of a local government woman leader under the ruling party in Kogi State and won the election. In addition, several participants have indicated their interest to contest for seats in the upcoming 2023 general elections. Advocacy and monitoring plans to support the work of respective state networks in widening the space for young women in the upcoming 2023 general elections were developed by 45 participants. The plans, which are expected to supplement advocacy initiatives of the young women in politics’ networks, were produced through a capacity building session supported by UN in November 2021. With support from UN Women, 30 members of the networks of young women in politics in different states were able to set agendas for increasing the space for women in the 2023 elections. key achievements since their establishment includes the establishment of leadership structures and development of functional constitutions for managing their affairs, the development of action plans and the creation of social media platforms. The Young Women in Politics networks partnered with other organizations (including Women’s Radio, She Matters Foundation, ActionAid) to implement activities towards promoting women’s leadership. The different networks held several media engagements to create public awareness about the group and mobilize support for women’s active participation in politics. In addition, the young women conducted campaigns targeting schools, churches, mosques and the media to mobilize young women for registering as voters in the ongoing voter registration process. Moreover, networks’ engagements involved advocacy and courtesy calls to community and political influencers to introduce the group and advocate for active engagement of young women in politics. 64 women leaders were equipped with lawmaking and lobbying skills to effectively lobby and advocate for greater participation women women in leadership and decision making.

A cadre of diverse and capable women leaders is established in Nigeria

A national dialogue of women leaders of 18 political parties in Nigeria held in June 2022 during which a common agenda to support women in politics irrespective of the political parties was agreed on. A national conference titled " Womasnifesto" organized by colaition of national CSOs working on women political empowerment suported by UN Women aimed at ensuring that diverse andf capable women leaders established and actively participate in the 2023 general elections and beyond. 250 young women in Benue, Cross River, Kogi and Plateau capacity enhanced on political leadership skills and inspired to join political parties of their choices.A network of young women in politics established, and now serves as a platform for peer learning, advocacy and mobilization of other young women to be politically active by joining political parties