By Kelvin Ololo
No fewer than 100 women across various constituencies in Cross River State, have undergone intensive training on political leadership and participation as part of efforts to increase women’s representation ahead of the 2027 general elections.
The one day capacity building workshop, themed “strengthening women’s voices in political leadership and governance”, was organized by Gender and Development Action (GADA), in Calabar.
The program brought together aspiring female political leaders, civil society organizations, political stakeholders, religious groups and government representatives to equip women with the knowledge, confidence and practical skills required to actively participate in the political process.
Setting the tone for the workshop, the Acting Executive Director of GADA, Ms. Nnenna Ugbor, explained that the initiative is part of the organization’s Women Voice and Leadership project, designed to empower, mentor and prepare women to occupy leadership positions.
According to her, despite their enormous contributions to society, many women remain on the sidelines of decision-making processes.
“Leadership is not about gender; it is about contributing your quota to national development,” she said.
Ugbor noted that the project seeks to bridge the leadership gap by giving women the confidence, skills and opportunities needed to contribute meaningfully to governance and nation-building.
Chairman of the occasion and Cross River State Chairman of the All Progressives Congress (APC), Hon. Christopher Etta, encouraged participants to become active members of political parties, stressing that meaningful political participation begins within party structures.
“Discussions of this magnitude are important. For women to move forward, political parties must be strengthened, and women must look at themselves in the mirror, embrace the challenge and create time to participate actively in politics because that is where decisions affecting their lives are made,” Etta stated.
Also addressing the gathering, the Cross River State Commissioner for Women Affairs, Hon. Edema Irom, challenged women to overcome fear and develop the determination required to seek elective positions.
She argued that the biggest obstacle confronting many women in politics is not necessarily lack of support, but lack of willingness to take the first step.
“Even men face opposition. If you want to succeed in politics, you must be ready to face challenges with determination and show genuine interest in leadership,” she said.
The Commissioner added that the Cross River State Government remains committed to creating pathways for women through mentorship, leadership development and capacity-building programs.
According to her, greater female representation in decision-making positions would strengthen inclusiveness and improve governance outcomes.
Speaking on the importance of women’s leadership, Chairperson of Seed Her Foundation, Dr. Victoria Emeh-Emeh, called for greater investment in women seeking political office.
“Nigeria is not progressing as it should because women are not meaningfully engaged in leadership,” she said.
Dr. Emeh-Emeh explained that the Seed Her Foundation provides mentorship, training and support to help women pursue political aspirations and amplify their voices in governance.
The workshop featured panel discussions, symposiums and interactive sessions focusing on political mentorship, practical strategies for contesting and winning elections, navigating political party structures, campaign planning and mobilization, as well as an overview of the Electoral Act, Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) processes, candidate nomination requirements and electoral guidelines.
Goodwill messages were delivered by representatives of the Cross River State Ministries, the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), religious organizations including the Catholic Women Organization and Muslim groups, as well as representatives of political parties and other stakeholders.
Participants described the training as timely, particularly as preparations gradually begin for the 2027 general elections.
They urged more women to believe in their leadership potential by joining political parties, obtaining their Permanent Voter Cards (PVCs), participating in party activities and supporting one another in the pursuit of elective offices.
At the close of the workshop, GADA reaffirmed its commitment to sustaining mentorship, follow-up engagements and capacity-building initiatives aimed at increasing women’s participation and representation in politics across Cross River State.
The event concluded with a question and answer session, networking opportunities and a group photograph to commemorate the training.
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