Introduction to Women’s Representation in Nigerian Politics
As the 2027 election nears, both national and state assembly members have been urged to fulfil their promises to guarantee reserved seats for women in parliament. The President Women in Politics Forum (WIPF), Barr. Ebere Ifendu, who spoke on Saturday during the summit organised by the Strengthening Her Aspiration for Political Engagement (SHAPE) project held in Abuja, called on political elites to ensure women’s inclusion in the governance of the country.
The Current State of Women’s Representation
Expressing concern over the alarming level of women’s representation in the legislative arms at both the national and state levels, she also urged the electorate to pressure politicians, regardless of their political affiliations, to achieve this goal. She remarked that it is embarrassing that Nigeria, despite wearing the toga of the “Giant of Africa,” has been left far behind countries like Rwanda, Somalia, and Kenya regarding representation and inclusion of women in governance and the decision-making process of the country.
Call to Action for Women’s Inclusion
Speaking on the theme: “Attaining 35 per cent Affirmative Action Towards Strengthening Women’s Agency for political leadership” at the summit, she remarked: “This is the right time to walk the talk. Don’t tell us you are endorsing the special seat bill. And on the day of voting, you will not get the bill passed. So we are going to hold every politician accountable. It’s not just the political party. Individual politicians will be held accountable if they fail to pass this bill.
Overcoming Barriers to Women’s Participation
The National Publicity Secretary of the opposition African Democratic Congress (ADC), Malam Bolaji Abdullahi, who recalled the leadership roles played by women in the mould of Queen Amina of Zaria, criticised those who blame the patriarchal nature of Nigerian society for the low level of women’s inclusion in governance. Referring to patriarchally inclined countries like Senegal and Gambia, where women have fared better in politics than Nigeria, he insists that the problems women face in the country are inherently structural in nature. Identifying money as a significant barrier to women’s participation in politics, he urged women to persevere and maintain their interest in engaging in the electoral process until they achieve their aims.
Rethinking Politics for Women’s Inclusion
Malam Bolaji Abdullahi further stated, “If you understand politics as a highway to gaining power and control over other people, then it is difficult for you to conceive of a woman having that power of control. So, it’s what we use politics for that matters. If you understand politics as something we use for the service of society and for the development of our country, then it is easier for us to look for people who will get the job done. But if you focus on the privileges and the benefits and the bias, who gets what in terms of what we are sharing, then why should I allow anybody in?
Conclusion
In conclusion, the call for women’s inclusion in Nigerian politics has been a long-standing issue. With the 2027 elections approaching, it is imperative that politicians and the electorate work together to ensure that women are given the opportunity to participate in the governance of the country. This can be achieved by guaranteeing reserved seats for women in parliament and addressing the structural barriers that prevent women from participating in politics.
FAQs
Q: What is the current state of women’s representation in Nigerian politics?
A: The current state of women’s representation in Nigerian politics is alarming, with Nigeria being left behind by countries like Rwanda, Somalia, and Kenya in terms of representation and inclusion of women in governance.
Q: What is the call to action for women’s inclusion in Nigerian politics?
A: The call to action is for politicians and the electorate to work together to ensure that women are given the opportunity to participate in the governance of the country by guaranteeing reserved seats for women in parliament and addressing the structural barriers that prevent women from participating in politics.
Q: What are the barriers to women’s participation in Nigerian politics?
A: The barriers to women’s participation in Nigerian politics include structural barriers such as money and the patriarchal nature of Nigerian society.
Q: How can women overcome these barriers?
A: Women can overcome these barriers by persevering and maintaining their interest in engaging in the electoral process until they achieve their aims, and by working together with politicians and the electorate to address the structural barriers that prevent them from participating in politics.
