120 335. Nonetheless, there were indications that, over the past 10 years, the number of women in public office has increased in all branches of government at the federal and state levels. In several states visited, the CRM interacted with female chief judges, deputy governors (six in total in the country) and speakers, which the CRM learnt is indicative of the growing acceptance of women in leadership. In states like Ogun, female stakeholders categorically stated that the administration is ‘women-friendly’ and that, in the south, women are politically aware and keen to be involved in governance from the local government to state and federal level. 336. Regarding the appointment of women to at least 30 per cent of the positions of public leadership, as proposed in the NEEDS document, in many instances at federal and government level this has not been faithfully adhered to, even where there were compelling reasons. The office of the commissioner for women’s affairs exists at state level, although the CRM learned that, in some states, these offices had not existed until recently, or had been occupied by a male commissioner. This was perceived as constraining the development of female leadership capabilities and capacities. Women are also underrepresented in appointments to parastatal bodies at state and federal level, and in ambassadorial appointments. 337. The issue of indigeneship comes into play with regard to women’s rights. Indigeneship rights are not adequately addressed in the constitution. The Federal Character Law is a proactive and laudable attempt at inclusive practices to ensure equitable distribution of public service appointments and avoid the marginalisation of any Nigerian social grouping. However, this law is applied in terms of ethnicity as opposed to a more expansive categorisation of marginalisation, which would cater for women, PWDs and other social groupings. As a matter of practice, states and local governments are generally reluctant to appoint women who are not indigenes of the state to public office. 338. Rights of residency for married women who live away from their state of origin are also an issue. The CRM was informed that elective posts are rarely given to settlers, unless one has a ‘godfather’, regardless of whether the woman has had her domicile in her husband’s state for years. Regarding elective posts, married women vying for public office outside their premarital state or local government area are often viewed as ‘outsiders’ rather than Nigerian citizens with a right to stand for public office anywhere. 339. Women who become leaders through elective processes are few and far between in the various states and, in some of the states visited, the CRM learned that there was not a single female councillor at local government level, or member of the house of representatives. In what seemed to be a recurrent theme in the states visited, the stakeholders, including male participants, overwhelmingly referred to the exploitation and marginalisation of women and the youth in politics. While women play a significant role in mobilising support for candidates and canvassing for votes, within most party structures they are relegated to playing supporting roles that are an extension of their domestic roles, for example serving tea, singing and praying. The view was constantly expressed that women are used for elections and thereafter discarded.