Why more women should partake in politics

There is still growing concern over the visibility and presence of women in politics globally. It is an issue that has been topical in many stakeholders’ interactions across the globe. Politically, women have been weak in virtually all parts of the globe but it is especially disturbing how fewer women have participated in and actually […]

There is still growing concern over the visibility and presence of women in politics globally. It is an issue that has been topical in many stakeholders’ interactions across the globe. Politically, women have been weak in virtually all parts of the globe but it is especially disturbing how fewer women have participated in and actually held political positions in Nigeria in recent years. 

The World Economic Forum in its Global Gender Gap 2017 report, expressed dismay that it would take the world 217 years to bridge the gap.  

The emergence of the former speaker of the House of Representatives, Mrs Patricia Etteh, could be viewed as a watershed in the struggle to get more women involved in leadership.

When Mrs Ngozi Okonjo-Iweala and perhaps, Alison Madueke, held sway as ministers of finance and petroleum resources respectively they were sources of inspiration to a lot of women. 

However, not much progress has been made ever since and it was high time women seized this opportunity, now that Nigeria is at the threshold of a new election to participate actively in the political process with the view of contesting and winning positions.

The argument that the climate of Nigerian politics is so strenuous such that women find it difficult to navigate successfully should not be a source of discouragement. It should rather be a source of inspiration to spur women to action.  

The greater concern is not about the high profile of the offices occupied rather the number of women who have got to reach a political office either through appointment or election. The Independent National Electoral Commission released the timetable and the candidature of the 2015 election and the number of women participating in the elections was not encouraging. This prompted the question as to why women are not seen (as required) in a political participations and electoral polls. 

The political parties remain the major platform for contesting election because its alternative is barely found. In doing that, serious stakeholders must be drummed up to pave way for more women to be seen on the political scene. National Assembly can collaborate with the agitators to develop, present and pass a bill that will open more space for women in the contestations. However, I am also moved by the increasing level “godfatherism” in the Nigerian politics. As a result, there is likely germination of serious problem. The problem is that, it is easier to nurture men than women in politics. So, even the godfathers would like to nurse in more men than women and the dichotomy widens. 

Comparatively, the immediate past administration was better than the current administration in this respect. Under Jonathan’s administration, women have had more shares in the political cake. It was reported by several UN agencies that women have got about 30% shares of appointment and elective positions. The current administration is still battling with 20% or lower. This is very worrisome because the expectation is to grow higher not lower. 

The agitators of more visibility of women in politics should identify potentials among women and do significant encouragement that would take away the fears and anxieties. With respect to lack of resources, they can be supported with funds.  

Nana Yahaya, Department of Mass Communication, University of Maiduguri.