…Nonye Soludo noted that the number of women participating in politics remains significantly low.
Awka, Nigeria — The iNews Times reports that the wife of the Anambra State Governor, Nonye Soludo, has called on women to move beyond partisanship and become actively involved in politics and decision-making processes.
Speaking during the International Women’s Day Anambra celebration for 2026, Mrs. Soludo expressed concern over the persistent challenges facing women and girls in society despite numerous advocacy efforts aimed at improving their conditions.
She lamented that despite years of studies, consultations, seminars, workshops, protests, demonstrations, and public appeals, many women have remained divided along partisan lines.
According to her, it is time to review existing strategies and visions in order to change the narrative surrounding women’s participation in governance and leadership.
“However, the lead must start from those whose destiny is the subject of the conversation. The time of staying on the sidelines is over. Women must now be at the centre and front of it all,” she said.
Mrs. Nonye Soludo noted that the number of women participating in politics remains significantly low and stressed that this must change if meaningful progress is to be achieved.
“Now the big question is: How do we get fully involved? The number of women who have ventured into politics is still significantly poor. This has to change. We cannot make a difference if all we have is aversion for the system.”
She urged women to actively participate in governance and policy-making processes.
“It is time to get involved in the process and be at the table where key decisions about our destiny are made. It is time to lead from the front.”
Mrs. Nonye Soludo also encouraged women with political ambitions to take bold steps toward becoming changemakers.
“I therefore call on every woman who has a passion for politics to take a bold step towards being a changemaker. We will rally behind you.”
She commended Nigeria’s First Lady, Oluremi Tinubu, for proposing legislation that would guarantee a mandatory number of seats for women in the National Assembly.
However, she appealed that such legislation should also extend to State Houses of Assembly across the country.
“This is a commendable model for fair representation for minority voices and a great opportunity for elected women to be trusted voices for millions of others,” she said.
“I am equally appealing that if this legislation is considered, State Houses of Assembly should not be left out.”
Describing the theme of the celebration “Empower Her, Elevate All” as brilliant, Mrs. Soludo warned that the theme should not become another “use-and-dispose material” for occasional discussions.
She emphasised that empowering women involves practical actions that promote equal opportunities and protect them from discrimination, harassment, and social injustice.
“It’s about giving women and girls a fair opportunity to grow, succeed, and lead without stereotypes and marginalisation.”
Mrs. Soludo also highlighted several initiatives implemented by the administration of Chukwuma Soludo to improve the welfare of women and girls in Anambra State.
These include free education from primary to secondary schools, free antenatal care and delivery services, free cervical cancer screening and treatment programmes that have benefited over 10,000 women, the establishment of a designated magistrate court to handle gender violence cases, and the recruitment of more than 8,000 teachers, many of whom are women.
She added that these initiatives reflect the government’s commitment to inclusion and long-term development for women and girls.
Mrs. Nonye Soludo also spoke about the activities of her non-governmental initiative, Healthy Living with Nonye Soludo, which focuses on promoting healthy lifestyles among women and encouraging them to become community change agents.
According to her, the programme has produced hundreds of women who now lead community fitness sessions and social development programmes across Anambra State.
During the event, 25 women were also empowered, with Mrs. Nonye Soludo urging them to utilise the opportunity to build sustainable livelihoods.
“It is my earnest wish that we can create a sustainable avenue to bring every Anambra woman to this roundtable. Because if we want our voice to be heard, then we must walk as a pack in vision and foresight,” she added.
