Women under Representation in Politics Calls for Concern
Chief Dr. Mrs. Caroline Mbafan Ekpendu & Mr Dominic Apev (Respondents)
Deborah Adekaa
The under representation of women on the Nigerian Political space has continued to generate concern to Nigerians who feel the 35 percent affirmative action is a mere paper work. A former member of Benue State 8th Assembly, Dr Adoga Onah said historically, women were not given the opportunity to participate in Politics; they were not allowed to vote or be voted for as there were beliefs that a woman cannot do more than just been a house wife and a cook. He said in the traditional African setting, women are usually not given opportunities to strive in a political world, but with the advancement of society, the world is beginning to see that women and men are equal, in spite of their gender differences.
Dr. Onah further said the problem with women is that they do not support each other; they look down on their fellow women who have tour the paths of politics. They would rather prefer the male folks making reference to the Sarah Jibril who contested but was seen as incompetent by her fellow women. He also said when the campaign for gender advocacy was launched; Women were expected to key into the campaign to bring the issue of gender equality to limelight.
Finally he called on women to support themselves, that until they start supporting and encouraging women, the underrepresentation of women in all Political spheres will continue.
In his opinion, Mr. Dominic Apev a public affairs commentator said politics the World over in democratic settings entail the representation of the interest of masses by individuals, be they male or female either by election or selection. “Politics in Africa however is viewed as the game of the strong and mighty, a battle of wits and gut of people with snared conscience and manipulative tendencies and this accounts to a large extent why women are relegated to the backdrop as they are often viewed as weaker vessels.”
He further said “most importantly, women are marginalized in Africa due to the patriarchy that exists in the African culture from time immemorial. Men being the head of the homes make them feel that women folk should not be giving any privilege at all to be in control of anything.” Mr Apev also said women are weaker decision makers and as such have this absurd mentality that even when placed in position of leadership they still depend on their husbands for decision making. Another issue he mentioned is the “issue of ego-centrism and possession.”
On his part, Kumaorun Shimana said, the 35% Affirmative Action for women has not really been achieved. He said currently, there are fewer women in politics now than before. He blamed the underrepresentation of women on cultural beliefs, finance, mentoring and marriage: “all these are contributory factors as to why women are not considered into Politics. Even when women strive to get results, the world sees them as women who are wayward; they are called all manner of names.”
Shimana further said the economic status of women is another impediment to women’s advancement in politics. In his words: “because women do not indulge into most businesses, they find it difficult to raise funds for their campaign; not everyone is willing to sponsor or mentor them. Until Women stand-up for themselves, they will continue to be looked down by the male folks.”
A Makurdi based legal luminary and a former House of Assembly Contestant in Benue State, Chief Dr. Mrs. Caroline Mbafan Ekpendu said one of the reasons for women underrepresentation is because they lack the financial capacity to carryout campaigns. She emphasized that “the few women that venture in politics are made to pay huge sums of money even when they make the public to believe that Expression of Interest and nomination forms are free foe women.” The men she said think women are not qualified to occupy leadership positions even when they earn such qualifications. The University Don further said for women to have their way in politics, the issues of Gender tied to the 35% affirmative action and reform of the electoral process must be addressed to give way for a level playing ground for all candidates irrespective of gender.
Women have continued to face myriad of challenges in Politics. They are judged by how they look and how they dress, more than their ideas and when they are held to a much higher standard than men. This situation is real and women are advised to work together to combat it. Underrepresentation of women in Political life contributes to exacerbating in equality. If half of the population is excluded, sustainable development is just a thought. It has been shown that a greater representation of women parliaments ensure reform of discriminatory laws.
While countries in Europe and America and making life better for women in politics, it appears the African women are far from getting a bit of what Sustainable Goals No 5 dictates- Gender Equality. African History recorded great women who stamped their names in traditional society like Queen Amina of ZauZau and Princes Inikpi of Idah. In local politics, great women like Rt. Hon. Patricia Eteh (a former Speaker of the House of Representatives), Mrs. Virginia Etiaba (former Governor of Anambra State) and Margaret Icheen (former Speaker of the Benue State House of Assembly) did well in their respective duties. But it seems things are becoming more difficult for women to get these positions, to contribute their quota to national development. Some opinions believe women may just do better to get Nigeria (Africa) where she should be, on the scale of development.
