By Emma Elekwa
A civil society organisation, Heir Women Hub, has called for deliberate efforts to bridge the gender gap in leadership, citing persistent cultural and structural barriers limiting women’s participation in the South-East.
The call followed a Focus Group Discussion (FGD) organised by the group on March 26, with the theme: “Understanding the Influence of Gender Norms on Women’s Leadership in the South-East Geo-Political Zone of Nigeria.”
Speaking at the event, the Executive Director of Heir Women Hub, Añuli Aniebo, described women’s representation in political leadership as critically low.
She said that at the national level, women account for only 3.7 per cent of the Senate and 4.4 per cent of the House of Representatives, representing just 20 out of the 469 members of the National Assembly.
Aniebo noted that the situation was similar across the South-East states of Ebonyi, Enugu, Anambra, Abia and Imo, where only five women currently serve in the State Houses of Assembly.
She added that Abia and Imo states presently have no female legislators.
“In the executive arm, representation remains limited, with only two female deputy governors in the region,” she said.
The Challenges Hindering Women
Participants at the discussion identified multiple challenges confronting women, including cultural expectations, social pressures and institutional barriers.
They observed that women often face heightened scrutiny in professional, family, religious and community settings, limiting their ability to fully demonstrate competence and advance into leadership roles.
The participants also pointed to entrenched gender roles, especially expectations that women should primarily serve as caregivers and homemakers, as factors discouraging active engagement in leadership.
According to them, such pressures erode women’s confidence and limit their aspirations.
They further highlighted structural barriers such as limited access to education, financial constraints and persistent cultural norms, noting that historical inequalities continue to shape present realities.
On societal perceptions, contributors said women in leadership were frequently subjected to stereotypes, discrimination and social pressures, including conflicts within personal relationships.
Religious and cultural influences were also identified as key factors, with some participants noting that certain interpretations reinforce male dominance and weaken support for women seeking leadership positions.
Despite the challenges, the participants underscored education as a critical tool for empowerment, noting that it enhances women’s ability to make informed decisions and contribute meaningfully to governance and development.
Reaffirming its position, Heir Women Hub stressed that inclusive leadership was essential for balanced policymaking, improved social outcomes and sustainable democratic growth.
The organisation called for targeted support for women candidates, inclusive political reforms, increased investment in leadership development and sustained advocacy to advance gender equity in governance.
The session ended with a call on government, civil society and community stakeholders to intensify efforts to improve women’s representation in leadership across the South-East and Nigeria at large.
