The South-South and South-East Women Ensemble has launched in Port Harcourt, with a call for greater female representation in political leadership and governance.
The South-South and South-East Women Ensemble was unveiled on Tuesday, 3 November 2026, at Aldgate Hotel, Abacha Road, GRA, Port Harcourt.
The initiative, led by the Inter-Party Advisory Council (IPAC) Directorate of Women Affairs, aims to build stronger structures that promote women’s participation in governance across both regions.
Speaking at the media launch, the South-East Zonal Coordinator, Chief Mrs Sopuruchi Barry Obinna, said the initiative would unite women across political parties and create opportunities for greater participation in decision-making.
She said women in the South-East and South-South had played important roles in political campaigns and community development but remained under-represented in positions of political authority.
According to her, the new platform would establish organised structures at zonal, state, local government and ward levels. She also identified security, economic inclusion, education, healthcare and political violence as key areas requiring collective attention.
Obinna said the initiative would promote shared training, resources, data and accountability mechanisms to support women seeking political leadership.
She listed Abia, Anambra, Ebonyi, Enugu and Imo as the South-East states involved, alongside Rivers, Bayelsa, Delta, Edo, Akwa Ibom and Cross River in the South-South.
The coordinator said the movement would operate across party lines and encourage registered political parties to create more opportunities for women.
She stressed that the initiative was not seeking political favours but equal opportunities and recognition of women’s contributions to national development.
With the slogan, One Voice, 2 Regions, 1 Powerful Women’s Movement, the South-South and South-East Women Ensemble aims to strengthen collaboration among women and advance inclusive governance. Obinna urged media organisations to report the initiative’s commitments and plans, rather than focus only on the size of the gathering.
She said women across both regions were united and ready to demand greater participation in governance.
