Women need to make themselves more electable by investing in their political ambitions and dreams. As a political debate moderator, I can tell you for free that women politicians need a lot of grooming in public speaking and articulating their thoughts before the electorate… If and when women join the big two parties and contest on the platforms, we would be closer to the dream of having a female president or governor. It’s tokenism to join contest under an unknown party for the sake of gaining the title, former presidential candidate. For now the political structure or system is too money-bag-driven for women to participate keenly.
EARLY Saturday morning, I was guest on the TVC Breakfast Show to talk about women’s participation in politics as part of the double theme of this year’s IWD: Investing in women to accelerate progress and inspiring inclusion.
It takes a lot of financial investment to oil a political ambition, it’s okay for women to aspire to be politicians, it’s a dangerous terrain for women though because we cannot forget in a hurry the woman who was burnt in her house. I didn’t remember the ordeals of Natasha Akpoti until I left the studio. Incidentally, both incidents occurred in Kogi State.
Women need to make themselves more electable by investing in their political ambitions and dreams. As a political debate moderator, I can tell you for free that women politicians need a lot of grooming in public speaking and articulating their thoughts before the electorate.
Part of being electable is to keep being visible after the elections and bond with the community long before elections. Be involved in their lives and show that you truly care.
Media strategy is an area where many women in politics flounder. It’s not enough to have the backing of your party, you need your own political machinery and media team to project you. WARDC led by Dr. Abiola Akiode had mentorship interventions pre-elections last year, in conjunction with UN Women. I was one of her facilitators, I took them public speaking and media relations. We need more of such interventions.
35 percent affirmative action is not impossible where there is political will. Nigeria is signatory to all the international instruments that enable better participation of women in governance. Let’s just, do it.
Representation at the legislature is dismal in Nigeria at the moment. It wasn’t always like that. We need to be more intentional, plot/plan the pathway better.
Lastly, I quoted Zig Ziglar, it’s pure madness to do a thing the same way repeatedly and expect change, Nigerian men need to ‘allow’ women lead. Former President Olusegun Obasanjo is the most women-friendly Nigerian leader. He appointed more than a handful. I know this because I once did a women’s day special about this for Guardian Nigeria commissioned by Mr. Jahman Anikulapo who was I think editor of the Sunday edition then. All Obasanjo’s women delivered.
Why are we afraid to appoint women or elect women? I know about the mess at the Humanitarian Affairs ministry. Yes. The point is there are women with integrity who can be appointed and who would deliver, look for them.
I know I said lastly, but the next few points are important. If and when women join the big two parties and contest on the platforms, we would be closer to the dream of having a female president or governor. It’s tokenism to join contest under an unknown party for the sake of gaining the title, former presidential candidate. For now, the political structure or system is too money-bag-driven for women to participate keenly.
Finally, there are wealthy women in business, they should start sponsoring women and fundraising for aspirants and candidates. They need to truly start investing in other women.
And as for our men, including more women in politics should not rob you of your manhood. Start promoting inclusion of more women in politics. A dára fún gbogbo wa, Nigeria yi si ma dún. Copy to Google for translation.
Thank you to the team at TVC for inviting me to be part of the commemoration of IWD 2024. I appreciate the recognition.
Happy International Women’s Day to us all.
*Anikeade Funkẹ -Treasure is Convener, Sanitary Pad Media Campaign; Executive Director, Illuminate Nigeria Development Network.
