Introduction: 

Throughout history, women in Nigeria have played a critical role in shaping our communities,  driving cultural development, and influencing political decisions. Yet, when it comes to  leadership, women are still vastly underrepresented in governance and public service. At Step  Up Naija, we believe that empowering women as leaders is not just about equality—it’s about  unlocking the immense potential Nigeria needs to thrive. 

In this blog, we’ll explore the importance of women in leadership, the barriers they face, and  how Step Up Naija is working to bridge the gap. 

The Current State of Women in Leadership in Nigeria 

Despite being the backbone of many communities, women in Nigeria continue to face challenges  when it comes to accessing leadership positions. Here are some key statistics: • As of 2023, women occupy less than 7% of Nigeria’s National Assembly seats, a figure that  lags behind the global average. 

• Only a handful of women have held key executive roles in Nigeria’s 36 states and local  governments. 

• Societal norms and systemic barriers often discourage women from stepping into leadership  positions. 

Why Women in Leadership Matters 

Empowering women to lead is not just about representation—it’s about progress. Studies  consistently show that having women in leadership roles leads to: 

1. Better Decision-Making: Women often bring diverse perspectives and collaborative  approaches to governance.

2. Inclusive Policies: Women leaders tend to prioritize policies that address education,  healthcare, and social welfare—issues that directly impact families and communities. 3. Economic Growth: When women are empowered, communities experience improved  economic stability and growth. 

Nigeria’s development hinges on ensuring that women are given the opportunity to lead,  influence decisions, and shape policies. 

Barriers Women Face in Leadership 

While progress is being made, there are still significant challenges holding women back: 1. Cultural Stereotypes: Traditional beliefs often limit women to domestic roles, discouraging  them from pursuing leadership opportunities. 

2. Financial Barriers: Running for office or stepping into leadership often requires resources  that many women don’t have access to. 

3. Lack of Mentorship: Many women lack access to mentors or role models who can guide and  inspire them to pursue leadership. 

4. Safety Concerns: Women in leadership often face gender-based violence, harassment, and  societal pressure. 

Stories of Nigerian Women Breaking Barriers 

Despite these challenges, Nigerian women continue to step up and make history. Here are some  inspiring examples: 

• Ngozi Okonjo-Iweala: As the Director-General of the World Trade Organization (WTO),  she’s a global figure proving that Nigerian women can lead on the world stage. • Folake Solanke: The first female Senior Advocate of Nigeria (SAN), she shattered barriers in  the legal profession. 

These women are just a few examples of what’s possible when women are empowered to lead. How Step Up Naija Supports Women in Leadership 

At Step Up Naija, we’re committed to creating a platform that encourages and equips women to  take on leadership roles. Our initiatives include: 

1. Leadership Training Programs: We offer workshops and mentorship programs specifically  designed for women, helping them build the skills and confidence needed to lead effectively. 2. Grassroots Empowerment: We work at the community level to challenge harmful  stereotypes and encourage families to support women’s ambitions. 

3. Networking Opportunities: Step Up Naija connects aspiring women leaders with mentors,  peers, and resources to help them navigate challenges and succeed. 

4. Advocacy for Inclusion: We advocate for policies that promote gender inclusivity in politics,  governance, and other leadership spaces. 

How You Can Support Women in Leadership

Creating a culture that supports women in leadership requires collective effort. Here’s how you  can help: 

1. Challenge Gender Bias: Speak out against stereotypes and support women who aspire to  lead. 

2. Encourage Women Around You: Empower your daughters, sisters, and friends to believe in  their leadership potential. 

3. Support Women-Led Initiatives: Vote for women candidates, donate to women-focused  organizations, and amplify their voices. 

4. Volunteer with Step Up Naija: Join our programs to support grassroots initiatives that  empower women. 

Looking Toward 2027 

As we prepare for the 2027 elections, one of Step Up Naija’s key goals is to increase the number  of women leaders at the local, state, and national levels. We believe that Nigeria’s future is  brighter when all voices are represented, and women play a central role in shaping policies and  driving progress. 

Conclusion: 

Empowering women in leadership is not just a step forward for gender equality—it’s a step  forward for Nigeria as a whole. At Step Up Naija, we’re committed to creating a platform where  women can rise, thrive, and lead. Together, let’s break barriers, inspire change, and build a future  where every Nigerian—man or woman—has the opportunity to lead and make a difference. 

CTA: 

Are you ready to support women in leadership? Join Step Up Naija today and help create a  Nigeria where everyone can lead!