The call is contained in a Declaration on Advancing Gender Parity in Political Representation adopted by the Heads of State and Government of the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS) at their Special Summit on the Future of Regional Integration in Freetown, Sierra Leone, on 19 July 2026.
The declaration encourages member states, in line with their national laws and circumstances, to consider measures that could accelerate women’s representation in politics, including temporary special measures, electoral reforms and mechanisms to ensure compliance.
ECOWAS leaders acknowledged that while some member states have made progress through gender quotas, parity laws and electoral reforms, women remain underrepresented in decision-making institutions across the region.
The declaration identifies parliaments, ministerial positions and senior executive roles among areas where the representation gap remains particularly evident.
The leaders said greater and more equal participation of women and men in political and public life would strengthen democratic governance, social cohesion, public trust and the credibility of public institutions.
They also called for greater investment in civic education, leadership development, mentorship and capacity-building programmes to prepare women and girls for active participation in political life and national decision-making.
Political parties, national parliaments, electoral management and oversight bodies, civil society organisations, women's organisations, traditional and religious leaders, the private sector and development partners have all been identified as important partners in advancing the gender parity agenda.
As part of the declaration, ECOWAS member states expressed their political determination to progressively work towards full gender parity in elective positions across the region by 2035, taking into account national circumstances.
The regional bloc also wants stronger systems for collecting data, monitoring and reporting on women's political participation to measure progress and guide future reforms.
The ECOWAS Commission has been encouraged to provide technical, legal and programme support to member states undertaking reforms, facilitate regional dialogue and inter-parliamentary cooperation, and explore a regional monitoring and information-sharing mechanism to assess progress towards the 2035 aspiration.
The declaration also recognises potential benefits of greater gender parity, including stronger peace and security, improved social cohesion, more responsive governance and better development outcomes.
Gambian President Adama Barrow was among the ECOWAS Heads of State and Government who signed the declaration in Freetown.
The leaders said the initiative forms part of their efforts to build a more inclusive system of governance as the regional bloc looks towards the next 50 years of regional integration.
