The Women and Youth Care Empowerment Initiative (WAYCE), a non-governmental organisation, has urged women across Nigeria to update their voter registration and participate actively in elections, stressing that every vote counts in strengthening democracy.
The organisation said increased participation by women in the electoral process would improve democratic governance and ensure stronger representation in decision-making at all levels.
The call was made on Thursday during a voter awareness rally in Abuja themed, “My Vote, My Voice, Vote Not Fight, Election No Be War,” organised to promote civic engagement and electoral participation.
Speaking at the event, the Executive Director of WAYCE, Dr. Geraldine Okafor, said many women had become discouraged from voting because they believed their votes did not influence election outcomes.
“We know that many women feel their votes do not count and therefore see no reason to participate in elections. But we want them to understand that their votes matter and can shape the future of our country,” she said.
According to her, such perceptions have contributed to low political participation among women despite their significant voting population and critical role in governance, leadership and national development.
“We know the importance of women’s power. Women constitute a significant voting population and must use that strength to influence leadership choices through the ballot box,” Okafor added.
She encouraged women to update their voter registration and prepare for future elections through active engagement in civic and electoral activities.
“We are encouraging women to update their voter registration and be ready to vote. When women come out in large numbers and vote objectively, they will see that their votes truly count,” she said.
Okafor noted that higher voter registration and turnout among women would strengthen their influence in democratic processes and improve their representation in leadership and decision-making positions.
She also urged women to make informed electoral choices and hold elected officials accountable through sustained civic engagement.
Expressing satisfaction with the turnout at the rally, Okafor described participants as enthusiastic and committed to contributing to Nigeria’s democratic development.
“We are happy that these women came out in their numbers. They are excited and ready to be part of the democratic process because they now understand that their votes count,” she said.
Also speaking, WAYCE Board Member, Dr. Dorathy Amadi, called on women to recognise the value of their votes and participate actively in elections.
“No woman, no country; no woman, no husband; no woman, no children; no woman, no nation. Nigeria belongs to all of us and we must come out and build our nation through our votes,” she said.
Mrs. Agnes Idikaiwu, a Deputy Director in the Federal Ministry of Health, cautioned voters against accepting inducements during elections and urged them to support credible candidates.
Similarly, guest speaker Dr. Theresa Ilegbuna advised Nigerians not to trade their electoral rights for temporary benefits, stressing that responsible voting remains essential to democratic governance.
“Have your voter’s card and keep it safe. Do not surrender it to anyone for any reason. Your vote is your power and your voice,” she said.
Ilegbuna added that greater participation by women in elections would strengthen democracy and contribute significantly to national development.
