Women Participation in 2023 General Elections

As the 2023 general elections draw closer, Victory Agada, a 300L Student of Prince Abubakar Audi University, Anyigba writes on Women Participation in 2023 General Elections.

Over the years, there have been clarion calls for women to be actively involved in the Governance of the country, both from the Local Government to Federal levels.

The calls, no doubt, are anchored on the fact that women are critical stakeholders in building the home and the society hence the saying train a woman, build the nation.

Thus, this struggle even became more expedient after the National Assembly recently rejected a bill to give which seeks to provide 35 percent affirmation for women in the country among other demands.

Now that activities marking the commencement of the twenty twenty-three general elections have commenced, individuals and several groups have been calling on women to participate in the polls either by voting or contesting for elective positions.

Women participation in elections is essential especially when viewing from their numerical strenght in the society at Large.

Not only do they comprise the majority in terms of population but they also play a crucial role in canvassing voters’ participation in an election.

In Nigeria, it is evident that women form the largest voting population, but are often relegated when it comes to being voted into political positions and according other recognitions.

Before now, women have tried their best politically, but the results have not been encouraging as most of the elective positions are usually won by the men due to patriarchy and other cultural and economic barriers.

Analysts say that the inability of women to actively participate in politics especially in elective positions is as a result of lack of legal framework and political will on the part of the Executive arm at all levels.

Nigerian women, no doubt have performed creditably in elective and appointive positions both within and outside the country and if given the opportunity, they will do more than their male folks as good mangers.

The story in Kogi is heartwarming as the Governor, Alhaji Yahaya Bello has since assumption of office ensured women inclusiveness in the governance of the State.

This is crystal clear in the appointment of the longest serving Secretary to the Government of Kogi State, Mrs. Folashade Ayoade, three successive State Heads of Service, Commissioners and Heads of Departments and Agencies.

Significantly and worthy of mention is the fact that the Vice Chancellor of Prince Abubakar Audu University, Anyigba (PAUU), Professor Marietu Tenuche is a woman who has distinguished her self through exemplary leadership qualities.

Equally, In December 2020, history was made in the state as women emerged Vice Chairmen and Council Leaders of the 21 Local Government Areas of the state, a development which has been applauded, both nationally and internationally.

The development has endeared the Governor to women across the country which necessitated their call for him to run for the Presidency come 2023.

One major problem identified as affecting the participation of women in politics is Gender inequality and discrimination.

Another challenge confronting women participation in the electoral process is lack of funds to foot the bills of electioneering campaigns, purchase of intent and nomination forms, logistics among others.

As the 2023 general elections draw closer, there is need for women to be given the opportunity to contest elective positions at the State Assemblies, National Assembly and even Governorship.

In achieving this, Political parties must give women more opportunities to serve at the various levels, at least, to be seen as a departure from the past.

Efforts must also be intensified by Political parties to give waiver to women who are ready to contest in the next general polls to encourage women participation.

Other State Governors should emulate Kogi State Governor by placing women in political positions in order to give them the privilege to contribute to the development of the country.

The National Assembly must at this point, revisit the rejected 35% female affirmative action bill to encourage women participation in the nation’s political process.

Finally, the rate at which women are discriminated upon when it comes to seeking political positions should be discouraged as they have the right to vote, be voted for as well as being given their pride of place.

On the whole, any nation wishing to get to her pride of place should accord women the desired attention, both politically and otherwise and the time for Nigeria to rewrite it’s story is no other time, but now.