Background

Women constitute nearly half of Nigeria’s population and the majority of registered voters, yet their representation in political leadership has remained critically low. Since 1999, women have never occupied more than 7% of elective positions, despite Nigeria’s commitments to frameworks like CEDAW, the Beijing Platform for Action, and the 2006 National Gender Policy (35% Affirmative Action). Deeply entrenched cultural, religious, economic, and political barriers keep women on the margins—mostly as voters rather than as candidates or officeholders.

To address this imbalance, Partners West Africa Nigeria (PWAN) with support from the National Endowment for Democracy (NED) launched the Beyond Voting Project in 2018. Phase I laid the foundation for evidence-based advocacy, stakeholder engagement, and policy reform towards women’s meaningful participation in governance.

About the Project

Phase I of Beyond Voting (May 2018 – April 2019) was designed to move women’s political engagement beyond casting ballots to contesting, winning, and holding leadership positions. The project conducted Nigeria’s first-ever mapping and comparative analysis on women’s political participation across six geopolitical zones—spotlighting systemic barriers and opportunities. It also convened stakeholders, created awareness campaigns, and built coalitions to amplify women’s voices in politics.

What We Did

• Methodology Workshop (July 2018): Trained and harmonized researchers across six focal states—Anambra, Plateau, Rivers, Gombe, Sokoto, and Ogun.

• Mapping & Comparative Analysis: Conducted 60+ Key Informant Interviews (KIIs) and Focus Group Discussions (FGDs) to understand “push and pull” factors affecting women in politics.

• Validation Workshop (Sept 2018): Engaged 21 stakeholders (INEC, CSOs, government, INGOs) to review and enrich findings.

• Public Presentation (Nov 2018): Released the Mapping Report and Policy Brief to 42 stakeholders including INEC, CSOs, and media.

• Awareness Campaigns:

  • Radio jingles aired on Vision FM, Wazobia FM, Paramount FM, ABS Awka.

  • Social media campaigns with hashtags such as #OurVoicesCount, #SheShouldContest, #ElectHer, #BeyondVoting.

  • Town hall meetings with traditional and religious leaders in four states.

• Coalition Building: Partnered with women’s groups, NOA, WARDC, and others to amplify advocacy.

Key Findings from the Research

The research revealed systemic challenges that cut across all zones:

1. Religion, Tradition & Culture – Women are often restricted by beliefs that politics is a “male-only” space, with Sharia law in the North West cited as a major barrier.

2. Stigmatization & Stereotypes – Female politicians are stereotyped as immoral, irresponsible, or unserious. Many party meetings are held at night, fueling suspicion of women’s attendance.

3. Weak Economic Base – The high cost of nomination forms and campaign financing excludes most women.

4. Godfatherism & Male Dominance – Political parties are controlled by male patrons who rarely support female aspirants.

5. Violence & Insecurity – Political thuggery and election violence deter women from contesting.

6. Education & Literacy Gaps – Especially in the North, low levels of girl-child education weaken women’s competitiveness.

7. Lack of Mentorship & Networks – Few female leaders mentor others; women often support male candidates over female aspirants.

8. Weak Implementation of Women-Related Policies – Despite ratifying global conventions, Nigeria has failed to meet its own 35% Affirmative Action target.

Outcomes in Numbers

• 6 geopolitical zones mapped (Anambra, Plateau, Rivers, Gombe, Sokoto, Ogun).

• 60+ KIIs and FGDs conducted with women leaders, politicians, and communities.

• 500 copies of the Mapping Report and 800 Policy Briefs produced and distributed; 71 e-copies downloaded online.

• 21 stakeholders attended the validation workshop; 42 stakeholders attended the public presentation.

• Radio jingles aired in 4 states, reaching millions.

• 400+ IEC materials disseminated across states.

• Online campaigns engaged thousands via hashtags and digital platforms.

Impact

• Produced Nigeria’s first comprehensive mapping report on women’s political participation—now a reference for CSOs, researchers, and policymakers.

• Sparked national debate ahead of the 2019 elections on the need for more women in leadership.

• Fostered dialogue between women aspirants and traditional/religious leaders, challenging cultural stereotypes.

• Elevated policy conversations on gender quotas and affirmative action.

• Built a foundation for NED Phase II & III, identifying clear entry points for advocacy and reform.

Voices from the Field

• “For me, the fact that I do not seek for election or get appointed does not mean I am not interested in what happens in the political environment. Since the politicians take decisions that affect me directly, I have to be interested in who gets elected.” – Female participant.

• “When I got interested in politics and started participating in political activities, I was seen as someone challenging the authority of men. But with support, I have continued to press on.” – Female politician, North East.

Call to Action

The Beyond Voting project reinforced one truth: democracy cannot thrive if half the population remains excluded from leadership.

We call on:

• Political parties – to dismantle discriminatory practices and nominate more women.

• Government and INEC – to enforce gender-sensitive reforms and the 35% Affirmative Action policy.

• Traditional and religious leaders – to challenge stereotypes and support women’s leadership.

• Women and youth – to aspire, contest, and lead—beyond the ballot box.

👉 Join the movement. Share the message. Support women in politics. Together, let’s go Beyond Voting.