As the world marks the 2026 International Women’s Day, some women achievers and gender activists have noted that women in politics in Nigeria should steer clear of the endemic corruption among men to open more opportunities for other women.
Former Ambassador to Namibia and Malawi, Amb. Folake Marcus Bello, who was speaking on a radio programme sponsored by the National Association of Seadogs, Ash Montana Deck being part of its Citizens Summit Project, noted that it was tough to survive as a woman in Nigerian politics but with strong character and focus more females should be able to rise to the topmost positions of leadership.
The female political activist observed with consternation that women representation at the national and state decision-making levels was very poor compared to a country like Rwanda, where women occupied 55% cabinet positions and 63% in the Senate.
“Government can make delibrate policy towards achieving the affirmative action which is much more imperative now than ever as the managerial skills of the women are needed to rescue the country. While the pressure to achieve that is on women in politics should display good character, honesty, and integrity to attract belief and trust in women.”
“If we have more women with strong character displaying the core values, more opportunities will be opened for the womenfolk – and the better for our women, the girl child, and our country.”
Another participant, Professor Remi Aduradola, identified some cultural hindrances on the access of women to positions of leadership advising that boldness and confidence should be instilled in the female children from infancy while they were being trained to uphold diligence and other virtues. By this, the girl child will grow up to confront challenges and never to be cowed by anybody where she must express her opinion.”
Prof Remi believes that submission to one’s husband does not hinder women from achieving greater political and economic heights, but it rather enhances a better relationship and freedom for an ambitious wife.
“It is common for women to mention relationship palaver as reason they don’t want to participate in politics, this is a weakness that women should know how to conquer because we should be able to build trust that will engender our men to cooperate with us.”
Former Chairman of COESU, FCE Abeokuta chapter, Dr Oluwakemi Oni told the panel that she was always respected by her male counterparts during her tenure as she introduced reforms telling the men it was wrong to be doing it the way they were doing it.
It is Dr Oluwakemi’s belief that with consistent pressure and the education of the womenfolk the number of women in political leadership positions will increase.
The State Chairman of NIPR Mrs Seun Boye lamented about the rate of divorce this days noting that if homes were settled women would be able aspire to high positions.
While commending the men who cooperate with their wives in their aspirations, she called on families to educate their children more on relationship and character building before they went into marriage.
