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By Lizzy Chirkpi
The ECOWAS Female Parliamentarians Association (ECOFEPA) on Tuesday commemorated the 25th anniversary of the ECOWAS Parliament with a spirited forum in Abuja, placing a sharp spotlight on the push for women’s proportional representation in governance.
With the theme “Advancing Women’s Proportional Representation in Governance,” the event brought together key regional voices, and set the tone for what ECOFEPA leaders described as a renewed, urgent battle for gender parity.
ECOFEPA President, Hon. Veronica Kadie Sesay, delivered a stirring message, celebrating how far the regional bloc has come while reminding delegates that the work ahead remains significant.
“This anniversary is not just about celebrating our progress,” she said. “It is a moment to recommit ourselves to building a region defined by inclusivity, genuine representation, and effective governance.”
The forum, which drew notable dignitaries including Nigeria’s First Lady, Senator Oluremi Tinubu, and the Minister of Women Affairs, served as a rallying ground for a more assertive ECOFEPA agenda anchored on the slogan: “ECOFEPA-ACTION! ECOWAS WOMEN ACTION NOW!”
Hon. Sesay noted that although the ECOWAS Parliament has reached a historic 26.3% female representation, West Africa still trails other African regions in terms of women’s political participation. She highlighted Nigeria’s particularly low figure of 6%, contrasting it with Senegal’s impressive 42%, a success she attributed to strong quota legislation.
Drawing from the realities many women face in politics, she stressed that female parliamentarians are well placed to break down structural barriers because they “have firsthand experience navigating male-dominated political environments.” According to her, this experience makes them strong advocates for reforms such as financial support for female candidates and enforceable gender quotas.
A major point in her address was the need for female parliamentarians across West Africa to rise to the responsibility of creating space for the next generation. Hon. Sesay reiterated the call for all ECOWAS member states to meet the 30% representation benchmark.
“It is not enough for women to enter parliament; they must open the doors wider for others,” she said, describing the 30% goal as both a duty and a legacy. She expressed hope for a future where women’s voices will not only resonate in parliaments but become a permanent, transformative force across the region.
Hon. Sesay commended the leadership of ECOWAS Parliament Speaker, Hon. Hadja Memounatou Ibrahima, for ensuring that this crucial dialogue was woven into the Parliament’s 25th anniversary celebration. She further praised former female leaders like Her Excellency Jewel Howard-Taylor and Madam Finda Koroma for securing ECOFEPA’s annual budget, a move she said has helped sustain the group’s programmes and strengthen its institutional capacity.
As she rounded off her remarks, Hon. Sesay delivered a powerful call to action: “My dear sisters, now is our moment to claim gender justice in Nigerian politics! AMEN.”
The forum is now expected to develop a strategic roadmap aimed at pushing for proportional representation both at national and regional levels setting the stage for the next chapter of ECOWAS, one that the female parliamentarians hope will be marked by deeper inclusivity, broader participation, and a governance system that truly reflects the region’s diversity.