The United Nations Development Program (UNDP) has called for the creation of dedicated financing mechanisms, including a women’s political endowment fund, to address financial barriers limiting women’s participation in politics across West Africa.
The call was made during the Women’s Political Leadership Forum held in Abuja, where stakeholders adopted the Abuja Action Agenda with the theme, “Accelerating Gender Parity in Political Leadership in West Africa.”
The forum was organised by the African Women Leaders Network (AWLN) in partnership with UNDP, the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS) and Nigeria’s Ministry of Women Affairs.
Speaking at the event, UNDP Director of Programmes for Africa, Jide Okeke, said women remain essential contributors to leadership, peace, security and sustainable development but continue to face significant barriers, especially limited access to political financing.
“My mother invested significantly in my education and today I am one of the leaders within the UNDP system. My journey reflects the transformative role of women’s leadership,” Okeke said.
He stressed that increasing the number of women in leadership positions would strengthen governance, peace and security outcomes across Africa.
Okeke noted that women currently occupy only 18 per cent of parliamentary seats in West Africa, describing the figure as insufficient despite growing commitments towards gender equality and inclusive governance.
He disclosed that UNDP has established a Women’s Political Participation Academy, which will train 40 women political leaders from 28 countries in Kigali to strengthen their leadership and governance capacity.
He also highlighted the organisation’s Young Women Leaders Programme, which has trained about 140 young African women and equipped them with skills for public service and political engagement.
According to Okeke, UNDP is working with the African Union to address financial challenges affecting women’s political participation while promoting sustainable funding structures and more inclusive political environments.
“In countries like Nigeria, women want a level playing field. I hope this meeting endorses dedicated funds for promoting and supporting women in politics,” he said.
Meanwhile, Nigeria’s Minister of Women Affairs, Hajiya Imaan Sulaiman-Ibrahim, said the Abuja Action Agenda marks a shift from policy commitments to practical steps aimed at advancing women’s political leadership in the region.
She emphasised the need for stronger institutional support, inclusive policies and sustainable solutions to increase women’s representation in decision-making spaces.
The forum brought together policymakers, development partners, women leaders and stakeholders from across West Africa to develop strategies for achieving greater gender parity in political leadership.