AMIDST various studies that have reinforced the value women bring into politics and particularly governance, Nigeria is still lagging behind in opening up more spaces for women. For what it is worth, we seem to be taking a nose dive after making concerted efforts in the last administration to amplify the voices of women in governance. Today we have fewer female senators, ministers and are still yet to produce a female governor.

If truly we agree that women bring positive dynamism to governance and contribute more to the progress of a nation (as seen in Rwanda), then we must find the courage to turn received wisdom on its head and give women more opportunities to lead.

However, the kind of leadership opportunities we advocate for women is not that which is based on sentiments or pressure from civil society but a socio-economic environment that is meritocratic and admits women based on their competence and credibility.

Challenging perceived social norms can sometimes be daunting but an open and expansive conversation (or debate) about the issues creates the needed momentum to reverse such narratives. Therefore as a society, we must continue to hold open conversation about these key issues however uncomfortable it makes us feel, that is how progressive societies are birth.

It is against this back drop that Become Change Institute have organized a roundtable governance meeting tagged WOMEN IN GOVERNANCE,THE JOURNEY SO FAR, holding at the Vanguard conference hall Apapa on April 2, by 10am.