Women in politics: Minister decries low participation in Nigeria

Minister of Women Affairs and Social Development Senator Aisha Jummai Alahasan, has frowned against non participation of women in politics revealing that Nigeria remains one of the most backward countries in the continent of Africa in this area.

Aisha further revealed that countries like Rwanda, Seychelles, Ghana and South Africa among others are doing better than Nigeria in the aspect of women in position of political leadership.

Speaking on Monday in Abuja when she led other women leaders on advocacy to the leadership of the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC), the Minister called on the party leaders to join hands with the women as various political parties commence preparations for the 2019 general election.

“It is however unfortunate that Nigeria remains one of the most backward and poor performing countries on the Continent in the area of women’s political participation and leadership.

“Although the Nigerian constitution guarantees equality for everyone in all spheres, women have not enjoyed this constitutional right. As a result, we have been overtaken by countries like Rwanda with 66% women’s representation in Parliament, South Africa with 40%, Seychelles over 50%, Ghana 35% and a large chunk of the other African countries with over 25%. Unfortunately Nigeria stands at less than 6% making Nigeria, though the “Giant of Africa”, a midget in comparison to others in this area”, she said.

Hajia Aisha Alhassan demanded that APC and other political parties should make women’s wing within political parties to be part of the political party decision making structures, formulate strategies for prevention and mitigation measure for violence against women during elections.

“In addition to the above measures, permit me to also highlight the need for more sustainable solutions to reverse the trend of women’s under-representation in politics which requires conscious efforts to interrogate the numerous factors that suppress women’s political participation and successful emergence at the polls”.

In his response, the National Chairman of the All Progressives Congress, Chief John Odigie- Oyegun expressed disappointment over the reports saying, “I am taken aback despite our population”, assuring that his leadership will ensure improvement that more women are given opportunity in political leadership.

Tom Okpe, Abuja