By Brenda Chidinma Imo-Eze
As the Woman Leader of the Social Democratic Party (SDP) in Ebonyi State, I have witnessed firsthand the untapped potential of women in our communities. Women are the backbone of our society, contributing immensely to family life, community development, and economic growth. Yet, when it comes to politics, our representation remains alarmingly low.
In Ebonyi State, there is currently no female representative in the House of Representatives, no female senator, and only two female chairpersons out of the 13 local government areas. While all 13 LGAs have female vice-chairpersons and female leaders of the 13 legislative councils, it is disheartening to note that out of 64 councilors, only 13 are women. Even within the state cabinet, there are just five female commissioners among numerous appointees. On the brighter side, we have a female deputy governor and a female Secretary to the State Government (SSG), but these are exceptions, not the norm.
These numbers highlight a significant gender imbalance in political leadership and decision-making in our state. Women, who make up nearly half of the population, are grossly underrepresented in critical areas where policies that shape lives and communities are made.
The proposed Gender Equality Bill, which seeks to reserve seats for women in the House of Representatives, presents an opportunity to address this imbalance. This bill is more than just legislation; it is a rallying cry for women to rise and take their rightful place in governance. The time has come for us to break through the barriers of fear, societal norms, and systemic exclusion that have long held us back.
Globally, women in politics have proven their worth as transformative leaders. From Ellen Johnson Sirleaf in Liberia to Ngozi Okonjo-Iweala, women have demonstrated that they bring unique perspectives to governance, marked by transparency, empathy, and a focus on social justice. These are the qualities our political landscape desperately needs, and they are qualities that Ebonyi women possess in abundance.
However, many women are held back by fear—the fear of judgment, fear of failure, and fear of stepping into a traditionally male-dominated space. These fears are valid but must not define us. Leadership is not reserved for a select few; it is a responsibility we owe to ourselves, our families, and our communities. Imagine the difference we can make if more women actively participate in decision-making processes.
The Gender Equality Bill has passed its second reading, proposing 74 reserved seats for women, with advocacy groups pushing for 117 seats. This landmark legislation provides a framework for equitable representation, but it is only the beginning. For the bill to have a meaningful impact, women must be ready to seize the opportunity it presents.
As Ebonyi women, we must rise to this challenge. Our state has a history of strong, resilient women who have driven progress in their communities. Now is the time to extend this legacy into the political sphere. Our participation in politics is not just about representation; it is about ensuring that issues close to our hearts—such as healthcare, education, and economic empowerment—are prioritized.
This movement requires the collective effort of families, communities, and political parties. We must educate women on their rights, support female candidates, and challenge cultural norms that suggest politics is a man’s domain. By doing so, we create a society where every voice is heard and valued.
The push for gender equality in politics is not about taking power from men; it is about building a more inclusive society. Women in Ebonyi have the strength, vision, and leadership skills to transform our state and our nation. To every woman in Ebonyi, I say this: your voice matters, your leadership matters,
Brenda Chidinma Imo-Eze
Strong Advocate for Women in Politics and State women Speaker , SDP