ECOWAS and UN Women Advance Youth Political Leadership in West Africa

Introduction

In a landmark effort to address gender disparities in politics, the ECOWAS Gender Development Centre (EGDC) and UN Women convened a pivotal seminar in Abuja, Nigeria, from October 13–17, 2025. This initiative, led by the European Union and Germany-funded EPSG Project through GIZ, focuses on amplifying the political guidance and participation of young girls across West Africa and the Sahel.

Analysis: Strengthening Political Inclusion

The seminar brought together policymakers, gender advocates, and representatives from the Regional Organization of African Journalists and Electoral Leaders (ROAJELF) to address systemic barriers hindering young women’s engagement in governance. Key discussions centered on political participation, advocacy strategies, and the role of digital advocacy in amplifying underrepresented voices.

Regional Collaboration and Sustainable Frameworks

The event emphasized cross-border cooperation, with ECOWAS and UN Women urging governments to adopt inclusive policies. A highlight was the 5th ROAJELF General Assembly, where renewed commitments were made to strengthen mentorship programs. These frameworks aim to cultivate a pipeline of young female leaders capable of driving political and social change.

Summary of Key Outcomes

The Abuja seminar underscored the urgency of youth-led political engagement. Participants from 15 West African nations collaborated on:
– Enhancing advocacy training for digital campaigns.
– Establishing regional mentorship networks to support aspiring female politicians.
– Drafting a Declaration for Governance Inclusion, urging parliaments to adopt quotas for young women’s representation.

Key Points to Remember

Mentorship Programs for Sustained Leadership

The EPSG Project partnered with local NGOs to launch mentorship initiatives targeting girls aged 15–24. These programs focus on leadership training, public speaking, and political literacy, aligning with UN Women’s mandate to achieve gender equality by 2030.

Digital Advocacy as a Tool for Political Engagement

Workshops emphasized leveraging social media to counter electoral gender-based violence and mobilize young women. Tools covered included:
– Online safety protocols for activists.
– Utilizing hashtags to bypass traditional media gatekeepers.
– Engaging influencers to amplify grassroots campaigns.

Regional Governance Reforms

The seminar resulted in a binding Declaration for Political Inclusion, signed by ECOFEPA (ECOWAS Female Parliamentarians Association). It calls for:
– Reserved parliamentary seats for girls under 30.
– National budgets allocated to gender-sensitive policy development.
– Streamlined legal frameworks to address cultural barriers.

Practical Advice for Stakeholders

Implementing Mentorship Frameworks

Organizations can replicate the ROAJELF model by:
– Partnering with universities to identify emerging leaders.
– Allocating grants for training modules on public policy.
– Creating safe digital spaces for knowledge sharing.

Leveraging Digital Tools for Outreach

To engage tech-savvy youth:
– Host webinars on electoral processes.
– Use WhatsApp and TikTok for campaign grassroots efforts.
– Develop multilingual platforms to reach rural populations.

Points of Caution

While progress is evident, challenges persist:
– Cultural resistance to female leadership in patriarchal societies.
– Limited funding for rural outreach programs.
– Digital divide hindering access to online resources.

Legal Implications

The initiative aligns with the African Union’s Gender Equality Strategy 2013–2024 and ECOWAS’s Protocol on Gender Affairs. However, enforcement remains a challenge. For example:
– Only 12% of West African parliamentarians are women, per 2024 data.
– National laws in countries like Mali still lack explicit quotas for women’s political participation.

Conclusion

The Abuja seminar marks a turning point in West Africa’s struggle for gender inclusion. By prioritizing mentorship, digital advocacy, and regional collaboration, ECOWAS and UN Women are laying the groundwork for a more representative future. Young girls in the region now have tangible pathways to influence policies shaping their communities.

FAQ

Disclaimers

The views expressed in this article do not necessarily reflect the official policies or positions of the ECOWAS Secretariat, UN Women, or the European Union.

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