Bianca Ojukwu decries poor female representation in politics, advocates girl-child education

Minister of State for Foreign Affairs, Bianca Odumegwu-Ojukwu, has condemned the poor representation of women in politics.

She made this statement at the 69th Session of the Commission on the Status of Wome, held on March 10 to 21, 2025, in New York.

Speaking during a panel discussion, she highlighted the challenges women face in attaining leadership positions.

She commended First Lady of Nigeria, Oluremi Tinubu for facilitating the historic event at the United Nations headquarters.

Odumegwu-Ojukwu lamented that societal norms have made women their own biggest obstacles in politics.

“Women have reduced themselves to praise singers, cheering men contesting elections but failing to support female candidates,” she said.

She criticised African political parties for having “women leaders” while men do not hold similar positions.

“This shows we accept being a separate group rather than equal stakeholders in politics,” she added.

She also decried discrimination against women seeking elective positions.

“Once a woman enters politics, people question her background or her husband’s origin,” she lamented.

She urged women to change their mindset and support one another politically.

According to her, girl-child education is key to breaking barriers and achieving gender equality in leadership.

She stressed that educating girls equips them to challenge discrimination and participate in governance.

“Investing in girl-child education will help eliminate barriers that have excluded women from politics,” she said.

The event marked the 30th anniversary of the Beijing Declaration on gender equality.

Global leaders assessed progress and renewed commitments to empowering women in politics.

Odumegwu-Ojukwu called for deliberate actions to enhance women’s political participation.

She urged women to actively engage in politics and support female aspirants.

Her remarks align with global efforts to achieve gender balance in leadership.

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