Gender Gap Alarming: WISCAR Warns Nigeria Risks Slow Development Without Women In Leadership

According to Ireporter Online, the Federal Government and key institutions have been urged to place gender inclusion at the centre of national development and sustainable governance. The call was made by Women in Successful Careers (WISCAR) during a media briefing held ahead of its Annual Leadership and Mentoring Conference scheduled for next week in Lagos.

WISCAR’s Founder and Chairperson, Mrs. Amina Oyagbola, emphasised that gender inclusion has become indispensable to democratic stability and national progress. She noted that, despite gradual improvements in some areas, women remain significantly under-represented in public leadership. Data presented at the briefing showed that women occupy only 16.7 per cent of federal cabinet positions and hold less than 10 per cent of elected public offices nationwide.

At the grassroots level, the situation is even more concerning, with women chairing just 3.7 per cent of local government councils—an alarming drop compared to previous years. Oyagbola described these statistics as evidence of persistent structural inequities, stressing that women are not merely contributors but essential drivers of national transformation.

She highlighted positive developments within the corporate sector, noting that women now occupy 31.1 per cent of board seats in NGX30 companies, and, for the first time, five women are serving as chief executives of top Nigerian firms. Despite these strides, Oyagbola identified limited access to funding as a major barrier preventing women from contesting political offices, citing cultural and institutional constraints that continue to hinder financial support for female aspirants.

WISCAR’s Executive Secretary, Ekemini Akpakpan, revealed that the organisation has trained more than 600 graduates across its mentoring programmes. Conference Organising Chair, Mrs. Tokunboh George-Taylor, added that the 2025 conference will feature fireside chats, networking engagements, and wellness activities tailored to advancing women’s professional and personal growth.

Themed “Claiming our Future: Women in Leadership and Policy Transformation,” this year’s conference will focus on transitioning from policy intentions to practical implementation. A key highlight will be the graduation of 105 mentees from the inaugural Women in Law Mentoring Programme, supported by the Bill and Melinda Gates Foundation.

WISCAR will also introduce two new honours—the Ambassador and Mrs. A. I. Atta HeForShe Award to celebrate male advocates of gender inclusion, and the Prof. Grace Alele-Williams Alumni Impact Award to recognise exceptional alumnae.

The Vice-Chancellor of the University of Lagos, Prof. Folasade Ogunsola, will deliver the keynote address, while other notable speakers include the Minister of Industry, Trade and Investment, Dr. Jumoke Oduwole; WARIF Founder, Dr. Kemi Dasilva-Ibru; and NESG CEO, Dr. Tayo Aduloju. A high-level panel featuring leaders from banking, telecommunications, civil society, and governance will discuss actionable strategies for advancing women’s leadership nationwide.

The briefing was also attended by WISCAR Advisory Board member Adebayo Oyagbola and planning committee members Folake Owodunni and Kemi Dallas.