Health
WILAN champions greater women’s representation in governance
By Justice Okamgba
The Women in Leadership Advancement Network has launched a digital leadership ecosystem aimed at increasing women’s participation in governance and decision-making processes amid concerns over the low representation of women in Nigeria’s political institutions.
The initiative, known as the WILAN Leadership Suite, brings together digital platforms designed to support women at different stages of their leadership journey through mentorship, professional development, civic engagement and digital safety tools.
The launch comes as women remain significantly underrepresented in Nigeria’s political landscape. Women currently occupy about 4.5 per cent of seats in the National Assembly, while 15 State Houses of Assembly have no female representation, highlighting the persistent challenge of achieving inclusive participation in governance.
WILAN said in a statement on Tuesday that the Leadership Suite was created to address some of the barriers limiting women’s access to leadership opportunities and provide a structured pathway for women to develop skills, build networks, engage in civic processes and take on greater leadership roles.
Although women remain underrepresented in elected positions, the organisation noted that women continue to lead businesses, communities, institutions and organisations across Nigeria, demonstrating capacity to contribute to national development when given greater opportunities and support.
According to WILAN, the Leadership Suite integrates digital platforms focused on leadership advancement, civic participation, career growth and safety, allowing users to access resources and opportunities tailored to different stages of their leadership journey.
The initiative was launched alongside an online media campaign tagged “What’s Your Move?”, which encourages Nigerians to take deliberate actions towards building a more inclusive leadership environment.
WILAN said each move under the campaign connects users with opportunities available through the Leadership Suite, including leadership training, networking, civic education and platforms for recognising women making impact across different sectors.
The Leadership Suite currently consists of three active platforms. MyDreamGov, a civic participation platform, enables Nigerians to discover women leaders, understand governance processes, nominate women leaders, build their ideal leadership teams and participate in civic conversations designed to encourage informed engagement with public affairs.
Kwankwaso knocks ex-Borno gov over comments on Peter Obi’s northern support
Another platform, BIIRD, is WILAN’s professional networking platform that connects women with mentors, leadership communities and AI-powered career guidance to support professional growth and advancement.
The Learn App provides digital learning opportunities through leadership programmes, masterclasses and practical development resources designed for women at different stages of their careers.
WILAN said the ecosystem would continue to expand with the introduction of additional platforms, including ZIMA, an AI-powered civic education and political leadership platform designed to help women deepen their understanding of governance and public leadership.
The organisation also announced Nana, an AI-powered digital safety companion developed to help women identify, prevent and respond to technology-facilitated gender-based violence.
WILAN explained that Nana would operate separately from the Leadership Suite’s Single Sign-On system because of the sensitive nature of users’ data, ensuring confidentiality and protecting users’ privacy.
Founder of WILAN, Abosede George-Ogan, said women across Nigeria were already demonstrating leadership and creating impact in various sectors but required stronger recognition, support and access to opportunities.
“Across Nigeria, women are already leading, solving problems and creating impact every day. We know capable women exist. The question is, if we are doing enough to recognise them, support them and open more doors for them to lead?” George-Ogan said.
She added that the Leadership Suite was designed to create a more connected pathway for women to access the tools, networks and knowledge required to influence decisions and contribute to shaping Nigeria’s future.
WILAN said the initiative represents part of its broader commitment to advancing inclusive leadership and strengthening women’s participation in governance, public service and national development.
Copyright PUNCH
All rights reserved. This material, and other digital content on this website, may not be reproduced, published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed in whole or in part without prior express written permission from PUNCH.
