INEC Gender Policy
Policy · Human Rights
A Policy promotes gender equality in Nigeria's electoral process by integrating gender considerations into INEC's operations and programs. It targets women voters, candidates, INEC staff, and political parties to remove barriers to women's participation. This aims to increase women's roles in elections and governance.
INEC Gender Policy
What Is This Policy?
INEC's institutional policy for promoting gender equality and women's participation in the electoral process, covering internal staffing, voter education, candidate support, and the removal of barriers that disproportionately affect women's political engagement.
Who Does It Target?
Women voters, candidates, and aspiring politicians INEC staff and management Political parties developing candidate selection processes Gender advocacy organizations
What Does It Aim to Achieve?
Increase women's meaningful participation in all aspects of the electoral process, from voter registration and turnout to candidacy and election management positions within INEC.
Key Features
Gender Mainstreaming: Integration of gender considerations into all INEC policies, programmes, and operations Women's Participation Data: Collection and publication of gender-disaggregated electoral data Targeted Voter Education: Campaigns addressing barriers specific to women's electoral participation Internal Equity: Gender balance targets in INEC recruitment and senior appointments Violence Against Women in Elections: Measures to prevent and respond to gender-based electoral violence
Current Status
Rollout Stage: Active Coverage: All INEC operations and electoral activities Lead Agency: INEC Gender Unit Partners: UN Women, NDI, IRI, gender-focused CSOs
How to Access
The policy is implemented through INEC's operations. Access through the INEC website and publications Gender-focused organizations can partner with INEC on implementation
Official Resources
Website: inecnigeria.org Contact: INEC Gender Unit, Abuja
Legal Framework
Operates under the Electoral Act 2022, the 1999 Constitution (as amended), and the Gender and Equal Opportunities Bill. Draws on the ECOWAS Protocol on Democracy and Good Governance, the Convention on the Elimination of All Forms of Discrimination Against Women (CEDAW), and the Beijing Platform for Action.