How Women Can Break The Political Ceiling In Nigeria

From Africa to Asia, to Europe, America, Canada, and Australia, the continents hears the rising surge of women voices. The call? You Are A Decision Maker Too!

And where's the arena? It's Women Joining Politics, a new wave of movement challenging the political status quo in every spheres of human endeavor: from the home to the boardroom and politics.

Activism is a form of politics. Advocacy is another form of politics. But politicking is what brings about the answering of a need. 

Barr. Mary Iyasere
Commissioner Commerce and Industry

For too long, political decision making, policy frameworks, laws and their implementation in the arena of politics have been dominated by one type of human brains - men.

That amorphous thing, called society, has long dictated whose voices must be heard rather than should be heard, which ought to depend on the context, the needs, the recipient or the partaker. 

But life on earth is not a singularity. It requires the input from all brains: men, women and children.

In Nigeria, a country where 49% are women, only 5 ministers are women in President Muhammadu Buhari's cabinet in stack contrast to 87% of men within that same cabinet. In Delta State, only 2 women are commissioners of a total of 24 commissioners. A mere 8% compared to the 35% Affirmative Action bill that was thrown out by the 8th Assembly in 2015. 

Pat Gbemudu, Chairman NAWOJ Delta State

This skewed representation, no doubt reflects a lot of indices:
- Political Awareness among women

- Interest in Politics among women
- Level playing field for all entrants
- Economic Power
- Societal Support
- Support of Social Circle
- Religious Upbringing, Indoctrination
- Perception of Women in Politics (hardened, corruptible, prostituting)
- Knowledge of the Dynamics of Politicking
- Mentoring, Tutelage
- Education
- Expertise, Skills, Experience, Capacity

I interviewed the Delta State Commissioner for Commerce and Industry in a candid radio talk on how to mentor young girls to become politically active deal breakers. We addressed some of the barriers and challenges women face in Nigeria breaking recycled men in politics.

Also in discussion was Pat Gbemudu, Chairman of Nigeria Women Journalist, Delta State Chapter on the role media plays in creating sensitization and advocacy. Watch full interview here: https://www.facebook.com/LadyEumukoro/videos/pcb.10204686343836397/10204686072309609/?type=3&theater

Lady E Umukoro, Broadcast Specialist