The Cardinal Onaiyekan Foundation for Peace (COFP), with support from the Canada Fund for Local Initiatives (CFLI), has convened a women’s advocacy workshop in Abuja to promote women’s active participation in Nigeria’s 2027 electoral process.
The one-day workshop, held on Wednesday, October 21, 2026, at the Ushafa Community Health Centre, Abuja, focused on expanding women’s involvement beyond voting to include public leadership, active citizenship and efforts to promote peaceful and credible elections.
Participants examined the importance of informed electoral choices and women’s contributions to strengthening democratic participation, including their roles in early warning and peacebuilding initiatives within their homes and communities.
The discussions also highlighted the potential of women to contribute to peaceful electoral processes before, during and after elections by promoting dialogue, encouraging responsible civic engagement and helping to prevent conflicts within their communities.
The workshop underscored the importance of creating opportunities for women to participate meaningfully in electoral processes and leadership, particularly as Nigeria prepares for the 2027 general elections.
Beyond exercising their voting rights, women’s involvement in public life can extend to community mobilisation, leadership and peacebuilding efforts that support peaceful coexistence and inclusive democratic participation.
COFP expressed appreciation to the Canada Fund for Local Initiatives for supporting the workshop and contributing to efforts to promote women’s engagement in the electoral process.
The initiative reflects the importance of sustained advocacy and civic education in encouraging women to take active roles in shaping their communities and Nigeria’s democratic future.
