The Renewed Hope Female Aspirants Network (RHFAN) has called on President Bola Ahmed Tinubu to put in place mechanisms that promote gender equality, expand electoral opportunities for female aspirants, and provide capacity development and funding support for women in politics.
The appeal was contained in a statement issued on Tuesday by Hon. Fatima Hamman, National Director, Youth Mobilization & Media,
RHFAN.
It said the appeal was made as part of its ongoing efforts to advance women’s representation in Nigerian politics, saying the group is advocating for the implementation of a 35% affirmative action policy in political appointments across all levels of government.
RHFAN organized a world press briefing in Abuja on Monday, themed “From Aspiration to Representation : A Renewed Hope for Inclusive Political Participation.”
The statement was issued after the conference.
In her combined welcome address, the National Coordinator of RHFAN, Hon. Tonbra Sebrina Ekiotenne, stated that increased female participation in decision-making leads to more inclusive governance, responsive policies, and sustainable national development.
She emphasized that Nigeria cannot achieve its full potential while half of its population remains underrepresented in governance.
She therefore called on political parties, government institutions, and all relevant stakeholders to move beyond rhetoric and commit to measurable inclusion of women in both elective and appointive positions.
“As women, we are not just beneficiaries of this vision—we are key drivers of it.
“At RHFAN, we are committed to identifying, supporting, and empowering women across Nigeria to take their rightful place in leadership,” she said.
The keynote speaker and National Spokesperson of RHFAN, Dr. Judith Etuk Ogbara, emphasized the need for deliberate inclusion of women in decision-making positions.
She noted that the group aligns with the Renewed Hope Agenda of President Tinubu, which prioritizes national development and democratic consolidation.
The group’s key demands include increased political appointments for women, stronger support for female candidates contesting elective positions, and broader inclusion of women across all sectors.
RHFAN is also advocating structured capacity-building initiatives and sustainable funding support for female aspirants.
Dr. Ogbara highlighted that RHFAN’s initiatives are already fostering optimism for a more inclusive democracy.
According to her, the network is actively mobilizing, mentoring, and supporting women across Nigeria’s geopolitical zones.
While acknowledging what she described as a positive response from the government, she stressed the need for concrete actions, including policy reforms and institutional support systems that will enable more women to participate meaningfully in politics.
She further noted that RHFAN remains committed to collaborating with government agencies, civil society organizations, and other stakeholders to build a more inclusive political landscape—one where women play central roles in shaping Nigeria’s future.
(vitalnewsngr.com)
