NAF Foundation Equips Young Women for Democratic Leadership Through Voices of Change: Legislative Edition

Despite constituting nearly half of Nigeria’s population, women remain significantly underrepresented in political leadership and decision-making spaces across the country. From local councils to legislative chambers, women’s voices continue to be underrepresented in conversations shaping policies and governance.

As Nigeria prepares for the 2027 general elections, stakeholders are increasingly calling for greater investment in leadership development programmes that equip young women with the knowledge, skills, and confidence needed to participate meaningfully in democratic processes.

In response to this challenge, the NAF Foundation for Young Women has concluded the training phase of its Voices of Change: Legislative Edition, a civic leadership programme designed to prepare young women for active participation in governance, public leadership, and democratic engagement.

The initiative attracted over 100 applications from across the country, with 20 young women selected to participate in an intensive six-week virtual fellowship focused on legislative leadership, constitutionalism, elections and political representation, public speaking, civic responsibility, and ethical leadership.

According to the organisers, the programme was developed to address the persistent gap in women’s political participation by exposing participants to the knowledge and practical skills required to engage confidently in governance and public affairs.

Throughout the fellowship, participants received training from experts in governance, law, public policy, and leadership. Notably, two alumni from the maiden edition also served as facilitators, reflecting the programme’s growing network of young women leaders committed to advancing democratic participation and civic engagement.

Moving beyond classroom learning, the fellows participated in a capacity-building workshop held on May 23, 2026, where they prepared for a Youth Mock Assembly simulation designed to provide hands-on legislative experience.

During the simulation, participants assumed various legislative roles, debated policy issues, applied parliamentary procedures, and developed recommendations addressing national and community challenges.

The exercise provided a practical understanding of how legislative institutions function while strengthening participants’ confidence in public speaking, policy analysis, advocacy, and democratic engagement.

The programme will culminate in a graduation ceremony scheduled for June 12, 2026, in commemoration of Nigeria’s Democracy Day.

Held under the theme “Young Women Shaping Nigeria’s Democratic Future,” the event will celebrate the achievements of the fellows while highlighting the critical role young women play in strengthening democratic governance, representation, and nation-building.

Speaking on the impact of the initiative, Executive Director of the NAF Foundation for Young Women, Nafisa Atiku Adejuwon, reaffirmed the organisation’s commitment to developing the next generation of women leaders.

“We remain committed to building a generation of informed and engaged young women leaders. These fellows are fully prepared to contribute meaningfully to democratic development at local, state, and national levels,” she said.

As conversations around inclusive governance continue to gain momentum, programmes such as Voices of Change are helping to ensure that more young women are equipped not only to participate in democracy, but also to influence and shape its future.