The Time For Women's Equal Representation is Now

Nigeria has one of the lowest rates of women's representation in government globally. It's time for change. We're advocating for policies and initiatives that close the gender gap and give women an equal voice in leadership.

The Nigerian Women Trust Fund amplifies women's voices and promotes gender equality. We partner to empower women, drive research, and advocate for policy change.

WHO WE ARE

Get to know the voices behind the Nigerian Women Trust Fund.

WHAT WE DO

Empowering women, driving research, and reforming policy.

HOW WE WORK

Creating partnerships and connections to build an equal Nigeria, together.

LATEST NEWS

October 6

NWTF visit to Igwe Okebo II’s Palace, Umueri, Anambra State

At the start of the EUSDGN II project, the NWTF held meetings with key stakeholders to promote gender inclusion. A key success was Igwe Okebo II of Umueri, who reserved five council seats for women and appointed one as secretary. This marks significant progress in advancing gender equity and sets a positive example for other leaders.

August 19

Addressing Gender-Based Violence in Kogi State

The Participation Initiative for Behavioural Change in Development (PIBCID), a sub-grantee organization under the 4th Edition of Addressing Gender-Based Violence (GBV) and Institutional Strengthening project funded by the Ford Foundation through the Nigerian Women Trust Fund, recently carried out a groundbreaking 3-day sensitization exercise in Kogi state.

August 14

Training of Trainers on Continuous Voter Education: Empowering Women for Enhanced Electoral Participation in Ondo State

The Nigerian Women Trust Fund (NWTF), with EU support, conducted a 3-day training in Ondo State to boost female participation in elections. Twenty women from local CSOs were trained in voter education, focusing on democracy, voter rights, and technology use. This initiative aims to empower women as key mobilizers in Edo State's upcoming elections.

Current Figures

REPRESENTATION OF WOMEN IN LEADERSHIP IS EXTREMELY LOW

Nigeria has remained at the lowest ebb globally in terms of women’s leadership and representation. Except for 2007 when the country recorded 11% representation of women in elective positions. Since then, the country has witnessed a reduced percentage of female representation. Currently, the percentage of women is about 4.8% since the 2019 General Elections.

Paltry Share of Women in Office: 4.8%

Women comprise over 49% of Nigeria's population, but hold under 5% of its elected political offices. This alarming gap leaves women and their perspectives drastically underrepresented in the country's democracy

Nigeria Ranks 181st Globally for Women in Politics

Nigeria lands near rock bottom worldwide for women's inclusion in national parliaments. Trailing behind global progress, women occupy just 5.4% of Nigeria's parliamentary seats compared to the 25% global average.

109 Senate Seats, 4 Women

Nigeria's Senate encapsulates the nation's vast gender inequality in politics. Of 109 intensely influential seats, women occupy only 4 - leaving them with a mere 6% share of voices to shape the country they share.

ELEVATING HER VOICE

Our programmes empower women to participate fully across all sectors of society. We facilitate training, drive research, accelerate advocacy efforts, provide mentorship, and develop strategic interventions – all to dismantle root causes limiting Nigerian women.