Empowering for Change: Adamawa Women Vice‑Chairpersons Reflect on GIZ Grassroots Leadership Training.
By Raymond Enoch
In a bold step towards an inclusive governance and female political participation, women Vice Chairpersons from Adamawa State are amplifying their voices after participating in a transformative leadership training initiative supported by GIZ Nigeria. The program, titled Transforming Leadership at the Grassroots: Voices from Adamawa’s Women Vice Chairpersons, highlights the evolving role of women in local governance and the importance of sustained empowerment.
Organized under the “Women in Politics” project, the training served as both a platform and a catalyst for women occupying second-tier political offices at the local level. It brought together Vice Chairpersons from various Local Government Areas (LGAs) across Adamawa to share experiences, build leadership skills, and foster stronger community engagement strategies.
Participants expressed how the training improved their confidence, decision-making capacity, and visibility in traditionally male-dominated political spaces. One Vice Chairperson noted, “Before this program, I often felt sidelined. Now, I understand the value I bring and how to assert it for the benefit of my community.”
Through storytelling and interactive workshops, the initiative encouraged women leaders to harness their potential, develop strategic plans for their LGAs, and advocate for inclusive policies. GIZ emphasized the need for ongoing support systems that ensure women’s roles in governance do not remain symbolic, but impactful.
The program is part of GIZ’s broader effort to promote gender equality and good governance across Nigeria, particularly in regions where cultural and structural barriers often limit women’s participation in public life.
As these leaders return to their constituencies, they carry with them not only skills and insights—but also the courage to lead with purpose and drive grassroots change from within.
