Nigerian MP Calls for Stronger Enforcement of 30% Female Representation in ECOWAS Parliament
Princess-Ekwi Ajide
In anticipation of the ECOWAS Female Parliamentarians Association (ECOFEPA) symposium on Wednesday, October 2, a Nigerian representative has made a passionate appeal for the full enforcement of the 30% female representation quota in the ECOWAS Parliament.
Speaking during the ongoing Third Extraordinary Session of the ECOWAS Parliament (Sixth Legislature) in Lomé, Togo, Hon. Dr. Ipalibo Harry Banigo, emphasised the need for member states to comply with the Supplementary Act on Enhancement of the Powers. The Act mandates that at least 30% of each national delegation to the ECOWAS Parliament be women.
Dr. Banigo voiced concerns over the shrinking number of female representatives across the region and urged the ECOWAS Parliament to apply pressure, or even sanctions, to nations failing to meet the quota. “Member states must ensure that at least 30% of their parliamentary delegations are women,” she stressed. “The inclusion of youth and people with disabilities should also be prioritised in these lists.”
She went on to advocate for tougher measures, stating that any country submitting a non-compliant list should face consequences. “If a country sends a list without meeting this requirement, it should be rejected. However, many national parliaments don’t even have enough women to meet the quota, and this is a major challenge.”
Dr. Banigo called for stronger advocacy efforts to encourage more women to enter politics at the national level, noting their invaluable contributions to leadership and governance. “With increased advocacy, awareness, and collaboration among stakeholders, we can elevate more women into parliamentary positions,” she remarked.
The upcoming ECOFEPA symposium, tagged “Empowering Women through Financial Inclusion,” will tackle the barriers women face in accessing financial services which is critical to unlocking their potential and driving sustainable development across the region.
Founded in 2003 and officially inaugurated in 2010, ECOFEPA serves as a platform for female parliamentarians from all 15 ECOWAS member states to come together, advocate for women’s issues, and shape policies that benefit both women and society at large.