‘Why Women need to work harder to lead’

Kaduna’s lone female governorship candidate speaks: ‘Why Women need to work harder to lead’ Fatima Muhammad is a young politician, and governorship candidate of the Restoration Party of Nigeria (RPN). She was born into the family of Malam Muhammad, a businessman. The seventh out of 16 children, her parents are originally from Katsina State, but she […]

Kaduna’s lone female governorship candidate speaks: ‘Why Women need to work harder to lead’

Fatima Muhammad is a young politician, and governorship candidate of the Restoration Party of Nigeria (RPN). She was born into the family of Malam Muhammad, a businessman. The seventh out of 16 children, her parents are originally from Katsina State, but she was born in Kaduna, where she grew up. She is the youngest, and also the only female contender, in the race for Kaduna’s governorship. In this interview, she shares her challenges, aspirations, and more. Excerpts:

 

Can you share your political experience being the youngest governorship candidate in Kaduna State?

Fatima Muhammad: It has been an interesting and scary road. At first, I was not sure I had the guts to stand up against several men to run for governor of Kaduna State, but as time went by, and I mustered courage, the road became easier. It is my hope and prayer that Allah will see me through.

What inspired you to run for governor?

Fatima: I am in the race in the interest of women and youth. The female gender needs to work hard to partake in the leadership position because they are in a better position to take care of the family. Women are able to spread their wings and think outside the box and I believe that if there is a female at the helm of affairs, this country will be even greater.

I am motivated by the fact that the largest percentage of voters in Nigeria today are women and youth, and being a combination of both, I am optimistic that I will be given the opportunity to represent the people come 2019.

How will the ‘Not Too Young To Run’ bill help your political career?

Fatima: With that bill passed by the National Assembly, the youth can make a difference in government by showcasing their capabilities and moving the country to the next level. Nigerians should be supportive to young and enterprising youth who are aspiring for political positions, because that is the only way youth can be mentored to take over the mantle of leadership of this country.

Our party has a paramount purpose programme which prioritises health and job creation, agriculture, education, and so on, and I am basing my innovations in all these key sectors because I believe they are significant in changing the fortunes of this country.

If elected governor, what new innovations should we hope to see from you?

Fatima: I hope to address the increasing rate of insecurity, the deplorable state of education sector and increase production of agricultural produce.

What are some of the challenges you have faced, or are still facing in pursuit of your chosen career?

Fatima: The challenges are enormous, but I think the biggest is lack of funds. To do politics in Nigeria, one requires a lot of funds which my party does not have and that is why the two major political parties are always at the top because they have financial backing. However, I am optimistic that with God on my side, all things are possible.

What is your call to other women who aspire to be like you?

Fatima: They should strive to stand on their feet, and not wait for their husbands to do everything for them. Rather, they should earn a living for themselves so that they can complement whatever the husband is contributing. It is my hope and prayer that if elected, I will engage women in skills-acquisition, so that they can also contribute their quota to the development of their families and the country at large.