TOS Foundation Partners Swiss Embassy to Launch HerCademy Legislative Mentorship Programme

Kuni Tyessi in Abuja

In preparing women for public office and effective legislative leadership, the TOS Foundation in partnership with the embassy of Switzerland has unveiled HerCademy legislative mentorship programme.

The six-week programme brings together aspiring female leaders from across the country for intensive training, mentorship and legislative simulations.

Founder of TOS Foundation Africa, Osasu Igbinedion-Ogwuche, in delivering a clear and urgent message Tuesday in Abuja, said Nigeria does not lack capable women, however, what is lacking are systems that expect women to lead, and structures that support them to win and govern effectively.

She emphasized that HerCademy is designed to go beyond access and focus on power and performance, while noting that: “This is not just about participation; it is about power—equipping women to understand how laws are made, how systems work, and how to lead with competence and clarity once they are in the room.”

She revealed that participants will engage in hands-on training in legislative processes, policy development, and political strategy—equipping them not only to run for office, but to govern effectively.

She added that as Nigeria continues to confront the gap between constitutional equality and political reality, HerCademy positions itself as a bold intervention to ensure more women are not only

elected—but prepared to lead and deliver.

Speaking at the launch, Switzerland’s Chargé d’Affaires to Nigeria, Mr. Siamak Rouhani, highlighted the urgency of the intervention and stated that women make up less than 5% of Nigeria’s National Assembly—the lowest rate of female parliamentary representation in Africa.

He said: “By investing in these aspiring parliamentarians, we are advancing inclusive governance as the backbone of a stable and prosperous society.”

A key highlight of the opening was a fireside conversation featuring British Deputy High Commissioner, Gill Lever, alongside Dr. Adanna Steinacker, Senior Special Assistant to the

President on Women’s Health.

During the session, Lever underscored the realities of leadership for women in power, while harping that: “Influence is not just about winning a seat, as effective leadership is what you do after you get the title—how you deliver outcomes in systems not designed for you.

“Power is rarely given to women. It is usually negotiated—and sometimes taken.”

The programme also featured a faculty of facilitators, including Chimdi Nelachukwu, Special Assistant to the Speaker on Policy and Innovation; Dr. Chidozie Aja, Special Adviser to the Deputy Speaker on Legislative Affairs; and Dr. Osasuyi Dirisu, Executive Director of the Policy Innovation Centre.