By Balarabe Oshiafi
Not wanting to be left out in the celebration of International Women’s Day (IWD), the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) has reaffirmed its commitment to advancing gender equality within the Commission and lubricating women’s involvement in Nigeria’s electoral process.
In a release issued by the Director of Voter Education and Publicity (VEP) Mrs Victoria Eta-Messi, the umpire praised the contributions of women in shaping both the electoral process and the society at large.
Emphasizing this year’s International Women’s Day theme, “Accelerate Action,” the Commission highlighted that achieving gender equality is not just about fairness—it’s crucial for strengthening democracy.
“A gender-balanced leadership, where women are equally represented in decision-making, creates more inclusive, responsive governance,” Mrs. Eta-Messi stated, acknowledging that Nigeria’s future democracy hinges on women’s full participation.
Reflecting on the progress within INEC, she pointed to key positions currently held by women:
The Commission currently has 2 female National Commissioners, while the Secretary of the Commission is a role held by a woman, showcasing women’s increasing role in top administrative positions.
Also, 4 of the Resident Electoral Commissioners (RECs) are women, and 12 out of 37 Administrative Secretaries are women, accounting for 32.4% of the leadership.
Furthermore, women currently make up 42.3% of the 26 Directors at INEC, signaling a significant increase in women’s roles within the decision-making body.
Despite these strides, INEC recognizes that gender equality remains a work in progress. Mrs. Eta-Messi emphasized the need for policies to eliminate the barriers women face, including societal expectations, lack of support systems, and gender-based violence.
“The Commission is committed to ensuring equal representation at all levels of the electoral process,” Mrs. Eta-Messi declared. “We are actively working on policies that will encourage greater participation of women—whether as candidates, voters, election administrators, or party representatives.”
INEC’s efforts aim to break down the societal and structural barriers that limit women’s involvement, reinforcing that gender equality is foundational to a strong democracy. As the Commission celebrates this year’s International Women’s Day, it reaffirms its dedication to empowering women within Nigeria’s electoral process.
The statement concluded with a call to action for all Nigerians: “When women are empowered to take leadership roles and given equal opportunities, our democracy will thrive. Governance will be more inclusive, and Nigeria’s future will be brighter for all.”
In this pivotal moment, INEC urges everyone—both men and women—to continue supporting gender equality, not just in the electoral process, but in every aspect of life.
