What needs to be done to increase the number of women in office?
Nigeria is increasingly important on the global stage. It is the sixth-most-populous country and has the biggest economy in Africa. It is also home to one of the world’s largest film industries and is a major oil exporter.
Despite these achievements, gender parity in its political leadership has declined. As of last year’s elections, women make up less than 4 percent of Nigeria’s parliament. Now, Nigeria ranks among the bottom 10 countries for female representation in national government.
On today’s episode of the Hidden Economics of Remarkable Women, host Reena Ninan speaks with Nichole Grossman from American University about her ongoing research on female political candidates in Nigeria. Grossman shares what she learned from dozens of interviews about what would be needed to increase the number of women in office. Then, reporter Yecenu Sasetu talks to a Nigerian woman and politician, Kate Raymond Mamuno, about how she got elected. Her successful campaign was largely due to assistance from a nonprofit called Connected Development.
About The Hidden Economics of Remarkable Women (HERO):
Could empowering women in the workplace be the simplest way to boost the global economy? Host Reena Ninan talks to women around the world changing the status quo in surprising ways to improve their lives, their families, and ultimately, the world. The Hidden Economics of Remarkable Women (HER♀) is a Foreign Policy podcast supported in part by the Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation.
HER♀ listeners can learn more about these topics by signing up for special access to an FP Analytics policy brief on gender equality. Sign up by clicking here.
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Select Awards for HERO:
- 2023 Signal Award; Silver; Public Service, Activism & Social Impact; Individual Episode
- Runner up for 2022 International Women’s Podcast Awards
