Women for 35% Appoints Senator Seriake Dickson as Official Patron
Abuja, Nigeria, In a major step forward for gender inclusion and political representation, the advocacy group Women for 35% has officially appointed former Bayelsa State Governor and current lawmaker, Senator Seriake Dickson, as its Grand Patron.
The announcement was made by Ambassador Aujil, the Convener of the Women for 35% movement.
Why Senator Seriake Dickson Was Chosen
Speaking on the appointment, Ambassador AJU shared that the decision followed extensive research into public figures who actively demonstrate a commitment to advancing women’s rights.
She noted that while many conversations focus solely on reserved political seats at the federal level, Senator Dickson consistently advocates for female inclusion across every tier of society, particularly at the grassroots.
Key reasons cited for his selection include:
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Grassroots Inclusion: Advocating for women in local government, community leadership, and public sector roles.
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Consistent Track Record: Supporting women across various public service assignments throughout his career.
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Active Advocacy: Openly calling for expanded leadership opportunities for women in recent national interviews.
Addressing the Gender Gap in Nigerian Leadership
The appointment comes at a crucial time for gender parity in Nigeria. Referring to the historic 1995 Beijing Declaration, which recommended a 35% affirmative action target for female participation in governance, Ambassador AJU highlighted the gap that still exists today.
“Up to now, women occupy only about 4% of leadership positions across boards and governance in Nigeria. We are going to have to change that.”
— Ambassador AJU, Convener, Women for 35%
Looking Ahead
By naming Senator Seriake Dickson as Patron, the Women for 35% organization aims to build stronger coalition networks, open doors for emerging female leaders, and champion legislation that protects female participation in political and economic spaces.
Accepting the honor at his residence, Senator Dickson thanked the delegation for finding him worthy of the role and reaffirmed his willingness to support the movement’s mission.
