HerCademy Program Launches to Bridge Nigeria's Political Gender Gap
As momentum builds around women's political representation in Nigeria, TOS Foundation Africa, in partnership with the Embassy of Switzerland in Nigeria, has launched the HerCademy Legislative Mentorship Programme. This targeted initiative aims to prepare women for public office and effective legislative leadership, addressing the country's stark gender disparity in politics.
Addressing Systemic Barriers to Women's Leadership
Founder of TOS Foundation Africa, Osasu Igbinedion-Ogwuche, emphasized that Nigeria does not lack capable women. "What we lack are systems that expect women to lead and structures that support them to win and govern effectively," she stated. Igbinedion-Ogwuche highlighted that HerCademy is designed to go beyond mere access and focus on power and performance: "This is not just about participation; it is about power equipping women to understand how laws are made, how systems work, and how to lead with competence and clarity once they are in the room."
Urgent Need for Intervention
Speaking at the launch, Switzerland's Chargé d'Affaires to Nigeria, Mr. Siamak Rouhani, highlighted the critical urgency of this intervention. "Women make up less than five percent of Nigeria's National Assembly the lowest rate of female parliamentary representation in Africa," he revealed. Rouhani added: "By investing in these aspiring parliamentarians, we are advancing inclusive governance as the backbone of a stable and prosperous society."
Program Structure and Distinguished Faculty
The six-week programme brings together aspiring female leaders from across Nigeria for intensive training, mentorship, and legislative simulations. Participants will engage in hands-on training in:
- Legislative processes
- Policy development
- Political strategy
The program features a distinguished faculty of facilitators, including:
- Barrister Chimdi Nelachukwu, Special Assistant to the Speaker on Policy and Innovation
- Dr. Chidozie Aja, Special Adviser to the Deputy Speaker on Legislative Affairs
- Dr. Osasuyi Dirisu, Executive Director of the Policy Innovation Centre
Fireside Conversation Highlights Leadership Realities
A key highlight of the opening was a fireside conversation featuring Gill Lever, OBE, British Deputy High Commissioner, alongside Dr. Adanna Steinacker, Senior Special Assistant to the President on Women's Health. During the session, Lever underscored the realities of leadership for women in power: "Influence is not just about winning a seat. Effective leadership is what you do after you get the title how you deliver outcomes in systems not designed for you," she explained. Lever added: "Power is rarely given to women. It is usually negotiated and sometimes taken."
The HerCademy Legislative Mentorship Programme represents a significant step toward addressing Nigeria's political gender gap, equipping women not only to run for office but to govern effectively once elected.
