Steps Towards Increased Women’s Participation In Governance

The first step towards increased participation of women in governance is self-belief. Nigerian women need attitudinal change. They need to believe in themselves and in their ability to creditably discharge the functions of high public offices. They must believe and demonstrate that they have a lot to contribute to the development of Nigeria, socially, politically, economically and in all spheres of life.

They must reject “tokenism” in appointments and stand by the 35 percent representation in the Federal and State cabinets, and in their party nominations for the Senate, House of Representatives and states houses of assembly.

The Federal Ministry of Women Affairs, and foreign and local Non-Governmental Organisations (NGOs) should organise seminars and other initiatives to empower women with skills and strategies needed for confidence-building and political mobilisation.

Women can start the campaign in their homes by preparing their female children for political challenges.

I do not subscribe to the view that women are still hampered by educational or any other limitations that could preclude them from full participation in governance. The women are educated. In most universities, the number of women on enrollment outweighs that of the men. We have women intellectuals and professionals who can steer the ship of leadership in our country. What is needed is for these categories of women to come out and vie for elective positions. Politics should not be left for the female dregs of the society. Educated and enlightened women should come out and be interested in politics. Male politicians should not see women as threats. As women re-discover themselves and their roles in governance, they should demand a level playing field and give the opportunities to fulfill their aspirations.

Women presidents are no longer a rarity in the world. India, Pakistian, Germany, Liberia, Britain, and Phillipines, to mention but a few, are among countries that have been ruled by women. They have amply demonstrated that able leadership is not the exclusive preserve of men.

My esteemed members of NAWOJ please support your sisters who come out to contest elections. You can do this by running free documentaries on them, inviting them to the studios for interviews, giving them wide coverage and showcasing them to the world through advertisements which can be free or discounted.

Finally, Nigerian women should glue together and support one another to attain political power. A house divided against itself cannot stand, hence they must unite. The women must take their destinies in their hands and demand their due place in governance.

Awajisuk wrote from Port Harcourt.

Finomo Julia Awajisuk