…says gender norms in South-East continue to restrict women’s pathways into leadership spaces.
Enugu, Nigeria — The iNews Times reports that gender norms in South-East Nigeria remain a major obstacle to women’s leadership participation, as stakeholders renewed calls for deliberate reforms to close the widening gender gap in governance and political representation.
The renewed concern followed a Focus Group Discussion (FGD) convened on March 26, 2026, by civil society organisation Heir Women Hub. The session, themed “Understanding the Influence of Gender Norms on Women’s Leadership in the South-East Geo-Political Zone of Nigeria,” brought together policy advocates, community leaders, and development actors to examine the cultural and institutional barriers limiting women’s access to leadership positions.
Delivering an overview of the situation, the Executive Director of the organisation, Añuli Aniebo, described women’s representation in political leadership as critically low, both nationally and within the South-East region.
According to figures presented at the forum, women account for just 3.7 percent of the Senate and 4.4 percent of the House of Representatives, amounting to only 20 women out of 469 members of the National Assembly. Stakeholders said the statistics reflect a deeper structural imbalance that continues to shape political outcomes across the country.
Within the South-East states, Ebonyi, Enugu, Anambra, Abia, and Imo, the situation is similarly concerning. Currently, only five women serve in State Houses of Assembly across the entire region. Abia and Imo states, in particular, have no female legislators at all.
Participants described the trend as a clear indication that gender norms in South-East Nigeria continue to restrict women’s pathways into decision-making spaces.
In the executive arm of government, representation also remains limited. Presently, the region has only two female deputy governors, Chinyere Ekomaru and Patricia Obila, further highlighting what stakeholders called a systemic imbalance.
Throughout the discussions, contributors identified multiple layers of barriers confronting women aspiring to leadership. These challenges, they noted, extend beyond electoral politics into social and cultural expectations deeply embedded in community life.
Participants observed that women often face heightened scrutiny both in professional environments and within family, religious, and community settings. This scrutiny, they argued, frequently subjects women leaders to criticism and unrealistic standards not applied to their male counterparts.
Entrenched gender roles were repeatedly cited as a central concern. Expectations that women should primarily function as caregivers and homemakers continue to discourage active engagement in politics and leadership, participants said. These social pressures often erode confidence, limit ambition, and create psychological barriers that affect women’s willingness to seek public office.
Beyond cultural expectations, the FGD also examined structural obstacles. Limited access to quality education in some communities, financial constraints, political gatekeeping, and male-dominated party structures were highlighted as significant impediments.
While acknowledging that progress has been recorded over the years, contributors stressed that historical inequalities still shape present realities. They argued that without intentional reforms, gender norms in South-East Nigeria will continue to reproduce unequal leadership outcomes.
Religious and cultural interpretations were also identified as influential factors. Some participants noted that certain interpretations reinforce male dominance and discourage broad-based support for women seeking leadership roles. However, others emphasised that religion and culture can also serve as tools for empowerment if interpreted progressively.
Despite the challenges, the discussions underscored education as a transformative tool for women’s empowerment. Participants agreed that education strengthens women’s ability to make informed decisions, advocate for their rights, and effectively participate in governance processes.
They further highlighted mentorship, leadership training, and targeted political support as critical pathways to building women’s confidence and competence in public office.
Reinforcing its position, Heir Women Hub maintained that inclusive leadership is essential for balanced policymaking, improved social outcomes, and sustainable democratic growth. According to the organisation, societies that promote women’s participation in governance benefit from broader perspectives, more equitable policies, and stronger institutional accountability.
Stakeholders therefore called for comprehensive reforms, including increased investment in women’s political education, financial support for female candidates, internal party reforms to ensure fair ticket allocation, and strengthened advocacy at community levels.
They also urged government institutions, civil society organisations, traditional leaders, and religious bodies to collaborate in addressing harmful stereotypes that perpetuate gender exclusion.
Participants concluded that reversing the leadership gender gap requires sustained commitment rather than symbolic gestures. Without deliberate intervention, they warned, the region risks losing valuable contributions from half of its population.
The session ended with a collective appeal for intensified efforts to dismantle restrictive gender norms in South-East Nigeria and create a more inclusive governance framework that reflects the realities and aspirations of women across the region.
