The 2023 presidential candidate of the Labour Party (LP), Mr. Peter Obi has called for the increased representation and empowerment of women across all spheres of life.
Obi made the call on Saturday in commemoration of 2025 International Women’s Day (IWD) themed “For ALL Women and Girls: Rights. Equality. Empowerment”.
He noted that IWD is a day set aside by the global community to celebrate women and womanhood, stressing that it’s also a time to honour women’s achievements and advance advocacy for their rights, opportunities, and empowerment.
The politician pointed out that this year’s theme highlights the importance of protecting women’s rights and fostering their empowerment for the progress of Nigeria.
“Women in Nigeria who have shown enormous resilience remain trapped in cycles of poverty, with limited access to basic healthcare—marked by low neonatal care high infant mortality, education, and other essential services. Among the millions of out-of-school children, girls account for the majority.
“They continue to bear the brunt of the rising insecurity as they are disproportionately affected by violence, abductions, and other forms of insecurity. Despite their critical contributions to society, Nigerian women hold only 6% of leadership positions in the private sector, while political representation continues to decline, reaching its lowest point after the 2023 elections.
“Even for the few women who break through these systemic barriers and secure positions of power, the challenges are relentless. Senator Ireti Kingibe and Senator Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan are just two examples of women who, despite their electoral victories, continue to face the harshest forms of discrimination and hostility in our public space,” he stated.
The former Anambra State Governor emphasised that the examples lay bare the brutal reality for women in politics that the system not only resists their inclusion, but actively works to push them out.
He continued: “Without affirmative action to guarantee a minimum of 25% representation in all decision-making bodies—across all arms of government, both elective and appointive women will remain excluded. The same principle should apply in the corporate world and other areas of our national livelihood.”
Obi explained that aggressive investment in girl-child education, particularly in educationally disadvantaged areas, is essential if Nigeria is to break these cycles of inequality and underdevelopment.
He said that he will continue to advocate for women because of the critical role they play in family and national development.
“The time to act is now. Women are the backbone of our society, and the progress of our nation depends on ensuring they have equal opportunities to shape our collective future,” he added.
