A gender empowerment advocate and leadership expert, Dr. [Insert Name], has called on Nigerian women to reject societal limitations and actively pursue positions of influence in politics, business, and governance, insisting that the time has come to break enduring barriers and discard second-class roles.

Speaking at a leadership forum in Abuja on [Insert Date], Dr. [Name] emphasized that systemic discrimination, cultural norms, and institutional biases have for too long sidelined women from critical decision-making platforms, despite their proven capacity across various sectors.

“Women must stop waiting to be invited to the table — they must build their own tables if necessary,” she said. “This era demands bold, visionary women who will not settle for tokenism or second fiddle roles. True progress will only be achieved when women claim their space confidently and unapologetically.”

Dr. [Name] noted that while progress has been made in advocacy, the pace of real inclusion remains slow, especially in political representation, where women hold less than 10% of elective offices in Nigeria.

She urged stakeholders — including government, civil society, and educational institutions — to implement policies that actively promote gender equity and dismantle the systemic barriers hindering women’s advancement.

Participants at the forum, many of whom were emerging female leaders, described the session as a timely call to action. One attendee, Ms. Chidinma Okoro, said, “This has inspired me to stop waiting for opportunities and start creating them. We need more women who are not afraid to lead.”

The forum concluded with a resolution to establish mentorship networks, amplify women’s voices in policymaking, and ensure more women are positioned in strategic leadership roles ahead of the 2027 general elections.