Documentary ‘Double Minority’ Highlights Women’s Role in Nigerian Politics
Daria Media has announced an upcoming documentary titled Double Minority, which aims to delve into the experiences of women navigating Nigeria’s political landscape. Set to premiere on July 14, 2025, the event will feature a panel discussion with distinguished guests, moderated by broadcast journalist Nabilah Usman.
Overview of the Documentary
This documentary charts the journeys of nine Nigerian women who competed for elected positions during the 2023 elections. Among those featured are:
- Senator Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan
- Senator Ireti Kingibe
- Hon. Nnenna Elendu–Ukeje
- Adeola Azeez
- Simi Olusola
- Hauwa Gambo
- Khadijah Abdullahi Iya
- Hon. Munira Suleiman Tanimu
- Joyce Daniels
Context and Significance
The release of Double Minority comes at a pivotal moment in Nigeria, as discussions around the gender and equal opportunities bill gain traction. According to the documentary, women currently occupy only 3.6% of elective offices in the country. This figure starkly contrasts with the 35% goal established in the national gender policy for women in public service positions. Moreover, women represent nearly half of the general and voting populations, underscoring the disparity.
Challenges Faced by Women in Politics
The film presents personal accounts from the featured women, revealing systemic barriers they encounter, such as cultural biases, insufficient funding, and the threats of violence. These hardships stand as formidable obstacles for women aspiring to hold political office in Nigeria.
Expert Insights
Kadaria Ahmed, the Executive Producer and Director of the documentary, emphasized the urgency of increasing women’s participation in governance, asserting that the absence of women in decision-making roles harms both the female demographic and the nation as a whole.
Dr. Kole Shettima, Africa Director of the MacArthur Foundation, characterized the underrepresentation of women as both an embarrassment and an indicator of Nigeria’s developmental state. His remarks prompted a call to action: “The political status of women is an indicator of the development of a country, so Nigeria needs to decide what is more important, its development or its exclusionary policies?”
Objective of Double Minority
Sponsored by the MacArthur Foundation, the documentary aims to elevate the discourse surrounding gender parity, particularly aiming to highlight the detrimental impacts of policies that ignore the needs and contributions of women. Funmi Ade–Ajayi Ogunlesi, Head of Government Affairs/Director at Citi, described Double Minority as “probably the most important documentary I’ve watched in the last five to ten years.”
Conclusion
As Double Minority prepares for its premiere, it promises to spark important conversations around the gender imbalance in Nigeria’s political framework, urging stakeholders to reconsider and address these longstanding issues.
