Sonaiya at VOW confab calls for unified grassroots support to elect more women leaders in Nigeria

From Juliana Taiwo-Obalonye, Abuja

At the opening of the 9th Voice of Women Conference and Awards, convener Toun Okewale Sonaiya stressed the critical role of grassroots women voters in shaping Nigeria’s political landscape, urging them to translate their voting power into collective action for greater female representation in governance.

In her opening remarks, she described the conference as a nine-year-old platform where women’s voices rise to shape Nigeria’s future.

Sonaiya confronted hard realities about women’s voting patterns, revealing that “eight out of ten grassroots women in Nigeria have a permanent voter’s card, but their votes are influenced by men.” She noted, “Our women vote for more men than women. And the few women that they vote for are also determined by the men.”

This, she said, demands urgent collective action: “It’s time for every Nigerian woman with a permanent voter’s card to help transform her individual influence into collective power. When women support women across all divides—regardless of party, economic status, ethnicity, faith, age, or ability—we become a powerful collective voice.” Sonaiya appealed specifically to grassroots women to “please support women in politics with your votes.”

Calling on women political leaders and urban elites to bridge the gap with grassroots women, she stressed, “You must speak a common language with a grassroots woman to earn their trust and their votes. You must meet them where they are and engage them directly.” She added, “By doing so, we can transform governance in Nigeria and elect Nigeria’s first female governor.”

Sonaiya also highlighted the importance of the Special Seats Reserved for Women Bill, designed to promote gender balance. She thanked the bill’s sponsors, Deputy Speaker of the House of Representatives Benjamin Kalu and Speaker Tajudeen Abbas, for their advocacy, but issued a call to the National Assembly members to ensure its passage: “My call to action to Mr President, Commander-in-Chief of the Armed Forces, His Excellency Bola Ahmed Tinubu: History is watching you, sir. Your leadership is needed to turn promises into policy and back words with action.”

She continued, “Your support will demonstrate commitment to gender balance and development, enhancing Nigeria’s global standing. Your advocacy will inspire future generations and show young Nigerians the value of inclusive leadership.”

Acknowledging the support of the MacArthur Foundation and the Amandla Institute, which enabled broad participation across Nigeria and beyond, Sonaiya said, “Your action, MacArthur and Amandla, is proof that when women are effectively mobilised, democracy is strengthened.”