As the world marks 30 years since the adoption of the Beijing Declaration and Platform for Action, the HID Awolọwọ Foundation is set to hold a national conversation aimed at assessing how far Nigerian women have come in politics — and how far the nation still needs to go.
In a statement issued by the Convener and Executive Director of the Foundation, Ambassador Dr. Ọlatokunbọ Awolọwọ Dosumu, the event was described as an opportunity “to reassess progress, reclaim voice, and rethink the nature of political leadership in Nigeria from the perspective of women.”
The dialogue, themed “Breaking Barriers or Standing Still? Nigerian Women in Politics 30 Years After Beijing,” is scheduled for Tuesday, November 25, 2025, at Ẹfunyẹla Hall in Ikenne, Ogun State, beginning at 9:00 a.m. It is part of the activities commemorating the 110th posthumous birthday of Yeye Oodua, Chief (Mrs.) Hannah Idowu Dideolu Awolọwọ.
Founded in 2016, the HID Awolọwọ Foundation was established to preserve and promote the values of HID Awolọwọ (1915–2015) — a towering matriarch, astute businesswoman, political influencer, and unwavering pillar in the Awolọwọ family. Her legacy of strength, integrity, and devotion to public service continues to guide the Foundation’s programmes and advocacy.
This year’s gathering will probe why women’s representation in Nigeria’s political space remains painfully low, even with decades of agitation and the country’s international commitments since Beijing. Despite numerous campaigns, Nigerian women still occupy a small fraction of elective and appointive roles, a trend experts say calls for urgent structural and cultural reforms.
A distinguished list of speakers and participants is expected at the event. Senator Daisy Danjuma, former federal lawmaker and Executive Chairman of South Atlantic Petroleum, will chair the session. The keynote presentation will be delivered by Professor Ọlabisi Aina, a respected scholar and gender development expert, who will examine Nigeria’s three-decade trajectory from Beijing 1995 to the present — outlining achievements, setbacks and enduring obstacles.
According to the statement, discussions will unfold through a blend of history, policy review, personal stories and solution-driven dialogue. Participants will reflect on the stubborn challenges limiting women’s political advancement, examine cultural and institutional roadblocks, and amplify the perspectives of women who have either held leadership positions or aspired to do so.
The dialogue will feature contributions from a broad range of notable figures, including Dr. Chantal Fanny, Vice-President of the Senate of Côte d’Ivoire; Senator Uche Ekwunife; Barrister Hannatu Musa Musawa, Minister of Art, Culture and Creative Economy; and Dr. Toyosi Akerele-Ogunsiji, founder of RISE Networks.
The closing session — focused on mapping practical next steps — will be moderated by Hon. Abikẹ Dabiri-Erewa, Chairman/CEO of the Nigerians in Diaspora Commission (NIDCOM) and former member of the House of Representatives.
Goodwill remarks are expected from the invited state governors and the Deputy Governor of Ogun State, Engr. Noimot Salako-Oyedele. A special message from UN Women will be delivered by Ms. Nyaradzayi Gumbonzvanda, UN Assistant Secretary-General and Deputy Executive Director of UN Women.
The forum is one of the Foundation’s key programmes designed to advance national development, social cohesion and collective well-being — values exemplified throughout the life of Chief (Mrs.) HID Awolọwọ, one of the most influential Nigerian women of the 20th century.
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