The fight for women's rights and gender equality in Taiwan, Tanzania, and Nigeria has seen significant progress in recent years. Women in these countries are making strides in political representation, challenging obstacles, and reshaping political landscapes.
In Taiwan, women have exceeded the gender quota requirements implemented in 2008. The country's political parties are required to nominate at least one female candidate for every three seats they contest. However, women in Taiwan have won more seats than the quota mandates, reflecting increasing support for women in politics and the recognition of their capabilities and contributions [b013ec44].
Similarly, women's political participation in Tanzania has been steadily increasing. The country ranks second in East Africa for the highest number of women MPs in parliament. President Samia Suluhu Hassan is the first woman head of state in Tanzania and the East African region. Dr. Tulia Ackson is the first woman President of the Inter-Parliamentary Union from Africa. Nenelwa Mwihambi is the first woman Clerk in the National Assembly. Tanzania has also made commitments to gender equality through international treaties and domestic legislation. Organizations like the Tanzania Gender Networking Programme are working to encourage young women to participate in politics. However, cultural factors still pose challenges to equal participation of women in politics in Tanzania, with some men unwilling to be politically led by women due to historical backgrounds [14371cb1].
In Nigeria, Hon. Abike Dabiri-Erewa, Chairman/CEO of Nigerians in Diaspora Commission (NIDCOM), called for more intentional support by political parties and the parliament to increase the representation of women in elective positions. She highlighted that less than five percent of over 1,300 elective positions at the state and federal levels in Nigeria are held by women. Dabiri-Erewa urged political parties to be sincere and intentional about getting women into elective positions and emphasized the need for women-friendly legislation. She also encouraged women professionals to actively participate in politics and serve as role models to younger generations [edcb1403].
The progress made by women in Taiwanese, Tanzanian, and Nigerian politics is a testament to the ongoing fight for gender equality and women's rights. It highlights the importance of representation and the need for diverse voices in decision-making processes. The success of women in politics in these countries serves as an inspiration for women in other nations and demonstrates the positive impact of women's leadership on society as a whole.