In this interview, Mary Ikoku, a seasoned media and communication adviser who has served across three federal administrations, offers critical insights into why women continue to be under-represented in Nigeria’s legislature, which has stagnated below 7 percent since Independence.

Excepts:

How has the role and representation of women in the legislature evolved since Independence?

Since independence in 1960, women’s representation in Nigeria’s legislature has remained disappointingly low. While there have been trailblazers like Margaret Ekpo and Franca Afegbua, systemic progress has been slow. The highest number of women ever elected to the National Assembly was in 2007, and even then, they made up less than 7 percent of the legislature. Over the decades, we’ve seen more women politically aware and active, but institutional and cultural barriers continue to limit their numbers. Despite advocacy and reforms, Nigeria still ranks among the lowest globally in female parliamentary representation. What we’ve seen is a rise in activism—but not yet a matching rise in seats.

What are some of the major challenges women faced in politics during the early post-Independence years?

In the early post-independence years, women faced a combination of legal, cultural, and structural barriers. Many were denied access to education and economic power, which limited their political participation. Patriarchal norms and societal expectations kept women in the background, while political structures remained male-dominated. There was also minimal institutional support—no quotas, no targeted programs, and hardly any party-level inclusion. Even those who had the courage to run were often met with intimidation, underfunding, and media bias. Essentially, women had to fight twice as hard just to be visible.

The push for Reserved Seats for Women—do you think it will address the painfully low representation of women in the National Assembly?

Reserved seats are definitely a step in the right direction. In a country like ours where women have been historically excluded from political decision-making, having dedicated seats can begin to correct that imbalance. But let’s be honest—it’s not the whole solution. Representation isn’t just about putting women in seats; it’s about ensuring they have real power, a strong voice, and influence in shaping policies. We need to pair the reserved seats with reforms that help women win elections outside of the quota system. That means changing how political parties operate, how campaigns are funded, and how voters see female leadership.

So yes, reserved seats can open the door—but we also have to support women to walk through that door and thrive when they get inside. It’s a foundation, not the finish line.

What was your personal journey into politics like and what gender-specific obstacles did you encounter?

My journey into politics was a natural progression from years of serving in governance and advocating for women’s inclusion in decision-making. I’ve had the privilege of serving the federal government across three administrations in key advisory roles. I was twice appointed as Media and Communication Adviser—first in the Ministry of Information and later in the Ministry of Finance. I also served as the pioneer Head of Communication at the Subsidy Reinvestment and Empowerment Programme (SURE-P) under President Goodluck Jonathan and as a Senior Communication Advisor at the Bureau of Public Service Reforms. These high-level, politically appointed roles came not through lobbying but through competence, professionalism, and a clear commitment to public service. Over time, my work evolved into full-scale advocacy—focused on women’s political participation and accountable governance.

In 2022, when the 9th National Assembly rejected all five gender-related bills, I was one of the women who led the ‘Occupy Nass’ protest. That moment was pivotal. It made me realize that we couldn’t keep demanding change from the outside—we needed to be inside the room, shaping the laws ourselves. That conviction led me to run for a seat in the House of Representatives in 2023. Although I didn’t make it to the ballot—not due to a lack of capacity or grassroots support, but because of the lack of internal party democracy—it was a defining experience. It reaffirmed how high the barriers remain for women. The obstacles aren’t only political—they are cultural, structural, and deeply gendered. From gatekeeping within parties to the high cost of elections and subtle (and not-so-subtle) intimidation, women are often locked out before the race even begins.

But I don’t consider my attempt a failure. It was a bold step—a public declaration that women can and must take up space. It inspired many young women who now know it’s possible to step forward. And for me, the commitment has only deepened. As I often say: ‘We can’t keep clapping from the sidelines. If they won’t give us a seat, we bring a folding chair—and with the passage of the Reserved Seats Bill, that folding chair finally has its space carved out.’ I remain committed to ensuring more women take their rightful place—not just in protest, but in power.

What legislative achievements are you most proud of, particularly those affecting women and girls?

While I haven’t held a legislative seat myself, I’ve been deeply involved in shaping policy conversations and supporting key gender bills through advocacy—particularly the Reserved Seats Bill and reforms addressing sexual and gender-based violence (SGBV). Through my organization, Emerge Women, we’ve supported survivors, drafted policy briefs, and engaged lawmakers directly. I’m especially proud of contributing to the national dialogue that brought SGBV and women’s representation to the front burner. Progress is slow, but we’ve succeeded in shifting the narrative and building pressure for change at the highest levels.

Do you think gender quotas have been effective in increasing meaningful participation of women in politics?

Gender quotas are not perfect, but they are necessary. Where implemented, they have increased the number of women in decision-making spaces. However, we must ensure quotas are not just symbolic—they must lead to meaningful participation, where women influence policy, not just occupy seats. That’s why we’re advocating structural reforms like the Reserved Seats Bill—to correct historic exclusion. (The Sun)