ECOWAS Pushes for Greater Political Participation of Women and Youth
The Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS) has convened a high-level regional meeting in Accra aimed at advancing the political participation and leadership of women and young people across West Africa.
The two-day technical meeting, taking place from February 17 to 18, 2026, brings together gender experts and focal persons from member states under the Human Capital Development (HCD) programme. The gathering is focused on identifying practical strategies and policy frameworks that can drive inclusive governance and strengthen democratic representation in the sub-region.
At the heart of the discussions is a shared commitment to push for legislative and institutional reforms that will guarantee meaningful participation of women and youth in political processes. Experts are working toward a long-term goal of achieving significant representation and leadership inclusion by 2035, in line with regional development priorities.
The Accra meeting is expected to generate recommendations that will feed into a Ministerial Meeting and a High-Level Advocacy session scheduled for February 19 and 20, respectively. These follow-up engagements are designed to secure political buy-in at the highest levels of government and accelerate the implementation of proposed reforms.
The consultation forms part of ECOWAS’ 50th anniversary celebrations under its ‘Legacy Project’, a flagship initiative aimed at promoting gender parity in elected offices across member states between 2025 and 2035. The project underscores the bloc’s recognition that inclusive governance is essential for sustainable development, peace, and stability in the region.
Multiple ECOWAS institutions and departments are supporting the initiative, reflecting a coordinated and cross-sectoral approach. These include the Office of the Vice-President, the Departments of Social Affairs and Political Affairs, the ECOWAS Court of Justice, and the ECOWAS Parliament.
The meeting comes at a time when calls for increased representation of women and youth in governance are gaining momentum across Africa. Despite progress in some countries, structural barriers such as limited access to resources, cultural norms, and political financing constraints continue to hinder broader participation.
By prioritising legislative reform and sustained advocacy, ECOWAS aims to bridge these gaps and empower a new generation of leaders. The initiative signals a broader regional push toward more inclusive political systems that reflect the demographics and aspirations of West Africa’s population.
As deliberations continue in Accra, stakeholders are expected to outline actionable steps that will not only expand opportunities for women and youth but also strengthen democratic institutions and governance outcomes across the ECOWAS region.
