The Sultan of Sokoto, Muhammad Sa’ad, has called on organizations such as the MacArthur Foundation, WRAPA, and others to support universities and research institutions in developing studies aimed at removing barriers to women’s participation in decision-making.
The Sultan made this call on Tuesday during the opening of a four-day training workshop on capacity building for women journalists, aimed at enhancing their participation in democratic processes in Nigeria.
The event, supported by the MacArthur Foundation, was held at the Command Guest House in Sokoto.
Represented by Sarkin Yakin Gagi, Sani Umar, the Sultan emphasized that the intellectual founders of the Sokoto Caliphate had historically created enabling environments for women through their writings and teachings. He noted, however, that more research is needed to build upon these foundational works.
He appealed to the MacArthur Foundation and other development partners to invest in academic research that could help address the long-standing societal and institutional challenges that hinder women’s political participation.
The Sultan further encouraged the women journalists present, stating that they have the power to drive change by mobilizing and educating women on their rights through the media.
Delivering the keynote address, a former Director at the Centre for Democracy and Development, Professor Jibrin Ibrahim highlighted the systemic barriers women face in politics, including a lack of financial resources for campaigns, as well as cultural and religious constraints.
He pointed out the stark underrepresentation of women in the National Assembly, warning that the absence of female voices in governance could pose significant challenges in the future.
In her remarks, the Chairperson of the Nigerian Women Journalists (NAWOJ), represented by the Northwest Zone A Secretary, Daharatu Aliyu, expressed gratitude to the organisers of the workshop. She announced that 40 women journalists would be trained on how to effectively engage in politics and urged participants to apply the knowledge gained during the workshop in their communities and newsrooms.
The four-day workshop brought together stakeholders and female journalists from Sokoto, Kebbi, Zamfara, and Katsina states under the theme: “The Role of Women Journalists in Reforming Democratic Processes in Nigeria.”
