Dr. Nonye Soludo, wife of Anambra State Governor Prof. Chukwuma Soludo and founder of the Healthy Living Initiative, has called on Nigerian women to increase their active participation in politics and decision-making processes to secure meaningful representation in governance.
Speaking in Awka on Sunday, March 8, 2026, in commemoration of International Women’s Day (IWD), Soludo stressed that women must shift from the periphery to the heart of national conversations on gender equality, development, and policy formulation.
“Women must take the lead in shaping their future by participating actively in politics and occupying spaces where key decisions affecting society are made,” she said. “I urge women with political aspirations to take bold steps towards leadership, be assured that you will get support from stakeholders who desire greater gender inclusion in governance.”
Soludo praised Senator Oluremi Tinubu for sponsoring legislation to reserve mandatory seats for women in the National Assembly, describing it as a vital step toward equitable representation. She advocated extending similar affirmative provisions to State Houses of Assembly nationwide to broaden women’s political footprint at all levels.
Highlighting persistent barriers, she called for stronger protections against harassment, abuse, workplace discrimination, and other social injustices that limit women’s progress. She noted that women have repeatedly proven their competence, professionalism, and effectiveness when given leadership opportunities.
The Anambra First Lady also spotlighted ongoing state-level efforts to empower women:
Competitive advancement opportunities for women within the Anambra State civil service
Continued advocacy through the Healthy Living Initiative for healthy lifestyles and community-driven projects that enhance societal wellbeing
Soludo pledged to establish additional platforms across Anambra State where women can collaborate, build networks, pursue shared objectives, and amplify their collective voice in driving sustainable development.
Her remarks align with the global 2026 International Women’s Day theme of accelerating action for gender equality, urging deliberate inclusion of women in leadership to foster more balanced, representative, and responsive governance in Nigeria.
