Democracy Day 2025 Message: Women Leadership Mainstreaming in Nigeria and Democracy – The Journey So Far
By Amb. Dr. Kema Chikwe, Executive Chairman, Women Leadership Institute (WLI) and Women Leadership Institute Network (WLIN)
On this momentous occasion of Democracy Day in Nigeria, we commemorate not only the founding principles of our democratic system but also reflect on the meaningful strides we have made in the inclusion and empowerment of women in leadership across all spheres of national life.
Democracy flourishes where there is inclusion, equity, and representation. Over the years, Nigerian women have demonstrated remarkable resilience, capacity, and excellence in leadership — in politics, governance, business, civil society, and beyond. Yet, the journey is ongoing. The path toward the full mainstreaming of women in democratic leadership has been shaped by persistent challenges, undeniable progress, and relentless advocacy.
The Women Leadership Institute (WLI) has remained at the forefront of this advocacy — championing women’s leadership through strategic training, mentorship, policy engagement, and community mobilization. As a professional and non-partisan platform, WLI is committed to equipping women with the tools, knowledge, and networks needed to thrive and lead boldly across all sectors. Our goal is clear: to grow a critical mass of women leaders who will drive transformative change in Nigeria and across Africa.
Complementing this work is the Women Leadership Institute Network (WLIN) — a dynamic and growing community of women leaders currently active in 10 states and counting. WLIN serves as a grassroots engine for mobilization, peer support, and leadership development, ensuring that the WLI mission reaches women at every level — from the community to the national stage. Through state-level engagements, capacity building, and advocacy initiatives, WLIN is ensuring that the voice and power of Nigerian women are amplified where it matters most.
Focusing specifically on political empowerment, there is a slight increase and fluctuation of women in parliament in Nigeria. We still have a long way to go. Greater representation of women in political leadership is not only a democratic imperative but a developmental necessity. Encouragingly, the executive and judicial arms of government, as well as the private sector, have also shown incremental improvements. It is clear that balancing the gender equation will unequivocally accelerate national development in Nigeria.
We honour the trailblazers who broke barriers and the many women leaders who continue to inspire a rising generation. We also recognize the urgent need for deeper reforms — especially electoral reforms — stronger policies, and deliberate action to ensure that women’s voices are not only heard but structurally empowered and institutionalized within our democratic frameworks.
As we reflect on our democratic journey, WLI and WLIN reaffirm their commitment to shaping a future where gender equity is not aspirational but foundational. Through our programmes, partnerships, and advocacy, we will continue to amplify the voices of Nigerian women and ensure that women’s leadership becomes a permanent fixture in our democratic landscape.
Let this Democracy Day renew our collective resolve to foster a nation where women’s leadership is normalized, celebrated, and sustained as a driving force of national transformation.
Happy Democracy Day, Nigeria!
Amb Dr Kema Chikwe
