Watch the discussion by clicking the above image.

Nigeria continues to rank among the lowest countries in Africa and globally for female representation in government. We can change that by amplifying and financially supporting women running for office.

On Monday, February 13th Leading Like a Lady held a discussion to promote women running for State House of Assembly seats and chairman roles for their political parties in Nigeria. Even with the fastest-growing population of Black women on the second-largest continent, there's less than 4 percent representation of women in Nigeria's government. This is an issue for at least two reasons:

1) Women reduce political corruption. Studies show that appointing women in leadership roles is positively correlated with less bribery, cronyism, and criminality in government. The Council on Foreign Relations (CFR) calls Nigeria's corruption "endemic" and Transparency International (TI) ranks the country in the bottom quartile for political integrity. Nigeria needs immediate intervention to improve, and women politicians may be the remedy.

2) Women's needs aren't being met. Nigeria is in the top five list of countries with the worst living outcomes for women globally. It's in the top five for the highest maternal death rate. Only one-third of women born and living in Nigeria are gainfully employed. And even with one of the highest rates of women business owners, Nigeria doesn't supply women entrepreneurs with enough capital to grow. Including more women in legislative and economic decision-making means increasing the number of leaders with the concern and ability to do something about this.

Please watch the video above and use this link to learn more about the candidates featured. Submit questions using the same link if you're interested in how you can support these women, whether you live in or outside of Nigeria.