Elect-Her Co-Founder Faborode on how to bridge the gender gap in Nigerian politics

As the world celebrates International Women's Day with the theme 'Choose to Challenge', Elect-Her has unveiled a $10 million fund to enhance the representation of women in elected positions in Nigeria. Co-founder Ibijoke Faborode sat down with CNBC Africa's Esther Awoniyi to discuss the organization's initiative to bridge the gender gap in Nigerian politics. Faborode highlighted the pressing need to address the significant underrepresentation of women in elective and appointive positions in Nigeria. She emphasized that Elect-Her aims to fill this gap by advocating for, empowering, and equipping women to actively participate in politics. The organization's creation stemmed from Faborode's firsthand experience working closely with the government during the 2019 election, which exposed the stark decline in women's political representation and rising electoral violence. One of the key points raised during the interview was the unique approach taken by Elect-Her. Faborode emphasized the organization's focus on the financial aspect, addressing the common perception of women as liabilities in politics due to their lack of economic empowerment. By launching initiatives like I-Generate, Elect-Her aims to provide crucial financial support to women seeking to run for office, challenging the existing 'boys club' mentality prevalent in political parties. Furthermore, Elect-Her is differentiating itself through the 'Elexat Future Lawmakers Program', designed to cultivate a new generation of female lawmakers in Nigeria. With less than five percent representation currently, the program seeks to improve policy outcomes by increasing women's participation in decision-making processes. Regarding the practical implementation of their strategies, Elect-Her has outlined a four-year plan that includes engaging stakeholders, encouraging women through digital networks like 'She to Run', equipping women with the necessary skills through the 'Elexat Academy', and enabling them by providing financial and social infrastructure. The organization also conducts leadership webinars and storytelling initiatives like 'When She Leads' to amplify the voices of women in politics. In response to the challenge of garnering support from women voters, Faborode acknowledged the need for a perception shift regarding women in leadership roles. She emphasized the importance of citizen engagement, policy advocacy, and grassroots programs to cultivate a more inclusive and reflective society. By actively engaging women as key stakeholders, Elect-Her aims to change societal norms and promote balanced policies that benefit all constituents. As Elect-Her continues its mission to empower women in Nigerian politics, Faborode reiterated the organization's commitment to driving meaningful change and creating a political landscape that truly represents the diversity and voices of all Nigerians.