By Khadija Batu
The need for women to participate in Nigerian politics can’t be overemphasised.
Women can be included in different forms not limited to during election campaigns, engaging them in community activities, offices, and politics. A woman is a natural disciplinarian by nature, from my personal findings, the result shows that Nigeria has one of the largest participation gaps in sub-Saharan Africa.
The gap is greater in terms of
raising an issue than voting women for political representation is closely linked to the promotion of equality of economic opportunity.
Data shows a clear relationship between the political representation of women and equality between women and men, regarding their opportunities and potential to participate in the economy, which indicates whether a legislator is male or female with a distinct impact on their policy priorities.
There is also strong evidence that as more women are elected into office, there is a corollary increase in policymaking that emphasises on quality of life and reflects the priorities of families, women, with ethnic and racial minorities.
The involvement of women is crucial therefore, it is important to recognise that women are not a homogeneous group. Depending on whether women are young or older, educated or uneducated, and live in rural or urban areas, they have very different life experiences that lead to different priorities and needs.
Moreover, a woman who is elected in parliamentament or another legislative body will place women’s issues or rights at the forefront of her own agenda. Clearly, women’s representation is not the only factor, but it is a critical factor for the development of inclusive, responsive, and transparent democracies.
So, why women in politics?
The positive impact of women in politics is undeniable, The need for more women in this Democratic era is paramount because only the involvement of more women in politics can awaken the African giant, Nigeria.
Federal lawmakers and politicians should consider dealing with more women and also not Judge their capacities by few who are not able to deliver their responsibilities, by doing so, Nigeria will be able to identify indistinguishable twins of exemplary women like Haj Amina j Mohammed, Ngozi Okonjo Iweala and late Dora Akunyili. These are strong women that keep Nigeria moving, not just Nigeria but the whole world globally.
The present lawmakers and stakeholders should consider giving women more opportunities to showcase their skills.
Don’t judge women’s capacity based on a few who are unable to deliver their duties, get more women involved in politics.
Active form of political participation takes place in groups rather than individual, so there we urge the Federal Government of Nigeria to reconsider
Nigerian women in politics, many have come of age especially those who are willing to participate in politics; they have shattered so many glass ceilings to be here; it was not served on a platter, and it is so beautiful to watch.
As we celebrate women in the month of March, so I salute women who are flying the flag in the corporate world.
