CPI, Situation Room Push for Greater Women’s Inclusion in Kogi Elections
The Nigeria Civil Society Situation Room, in partnership with the Challenged Parenthood Initiative (CPI), has launched a new drive to promote greater participation of women in Kogi State’s electoral process.
Speaking at a stakeholders’ meeting on Tuesday in Lokoja, Executive Director of CPI, Eunice Abimbola Agbogun, emphasized that the project supported by UK International Development seeks to enhance women’s inclusivity and representation in governance and elections.
Agbogun described women as the “engine room of democracy,” stressing that no nation can attain sustainable development without gender balance in politics.
“The LGA Clusters Framework reinforces our collective commitment to inclusive governance, accountability, and women’s political empowerment,” she said. “Through collaboration, transparency, and sustained engagement, CPI and its partners will continue advancing women’s leadership at all levels.”
She further explained that the framework provides a structured approach to strengthening women’s participation and leadership across Kogi State. Developed under the Women’s Electoral Engagement and Governance Coalition (WEEGC), the initiative promotes localized coordination, inclusive representation, and sustained advocacy at the grassroots level.
“Our goal is to operationalize grassroots engagement under WEEGC, strengthen coordination and advocacy among women leaders, and extend coalition programmes to all communities,” Agbogun added. “We also aim to promote inclusive participation in governance and electoral processes.”
Highlighting the core functions of the Local Government Area clusters, she said they are designed to mobilize grassroots women for voter education and participation, organize town hall meetings, and facilitate leadership and peacebuilding training for women and youth.
Other responsibilities include disseminating information, education, and communication (IEC) materials in local languages and documenting gender-related electoral issues.
Participants at the meeting commended CPI and the Situation Room for championing women’s inclusion and broke into strategic sessions to chart the way forward for achieving the project’s objectives in Kogi State.
A participant, said, “This initiative is timely. For too long, women have been sidelined in decision-making. It’s time we take our rightful place in politics.”
Another attendee, added, “When women lead, societies thrive. This collaboration is a step toward a more inclusive and accountable democracy in Kogi State.”
