By Muslimat Itopa
The Stand Up for Women Society has called for increased participation of women in leadership, governance and socio-economic development.
The call was made at the 2026 annual conference of the organisation held in Abuja.
The conference, which also marked the fifth anniversary of the society, had as its theme, “Women Securing the Future Through Leadership, Prosperity and Global Impact.”
The event brought together women from across the country, including delegates from Kogi State, to deliberate on issues affecting women and explore ways to strengthen their contributions to national development.
Speaking with journalists on the sidelines of the conference, the Deputy Speaker of the Kogi State House of Assembly, Mrs Comfort Ojoma Nwuchiola, thanked God for the fifth anniversary of the organisation.
Nwuchiola said the decision to rotate the annual conference across the six geopolitical zones had provided opportunity for women from different parts of the country to share experiences and advance the cause of women.
She noted that the 2026 edition, hosted by the Federal Capital Territory in the North-Central zone, attracted participants from Kogi and other states.
According to her, the gathering is a vital platform for women to take responsibility for their development and contribute meaningfully to nation-building, stressing that women’s leadership should complement and not undermine the role of men.
The Deputy Speaker commended members of SWS from Kogi State for attending the conference and appreciated the International President of the organisation, donors and development partners for their sustained support.
She urged women across the 36 states of the federation to remain united in creating opportunities that will give women a stronger voice in governance and public life.
“Women are gradually entering an era where they must take charge of their responsibilities, while working side by side with men as partners and allies in achieving common developmental goals,” she said.
On legislative efforts to promote women’s rights in Kogi State, Nwuchiola lauded members of the State House of Assembly for supporting bills aimed at improving gender representation.
She disclosed that a bill seeking greater gender representation in the public and private sectors had scaled through four legislative stages and was set for public hearing.
She described the bill as a crucial step towards building a more inclusive society where women will have increased opportunities in leadership and decision-making.
The lawmaker also highlighted the bill on maternal, neonatal and child health, which she said was designed to strengthen the welfare and protection of women, newborns and children in the state.
Nwuchiola commended Governor Ahmed Usman Ododo for his gender-friendly disposition and commitment to women’s inclusion in governance.
According to her, the administration has surpassed the 35 per cent affirmative action benchmark, achieving 45 per cent inclusion of women in governance in the state.
She called for sustained collaboration among government, women organisations, development partners and men to advance women’s rights, empowerment and leadership participation.
The Deputy Speaker added that achieving an equitable society requires the collective efforts of both men and women, with men remaining critical allies in the campaign for gender inclusion.
She expressed optimism that sustained advocacy, supportive legislation and increased opportunities would enable women to contribute more to national development and secure a better future for coming generations.
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