Kebbi: Stakeholders in Kebbi, Sokoto, and Zamfara States have renewed calls for deliberate policies to promote women's participation in politics through capacity building, mentorship, and reservation of elective and appointive positions.
According to News Agency of Nigeria, the stakeholders stressed the need for aggressive sensitisation to create awareness not only among the female folk but also including their male counterparts. Mrs. Blessing Michael, Chairperson of the League of Women Voters in Kebbi, emphasized that gender balance in governance could not be achieved without structured interventions to address social, cultural, and institutional barriers that limit women's involvement in democratic processes. Michael noted that the league was established to change the narrative of women's participation in politics in the state.
Mrs. Michael identified patriarchy as a major obstacle to women's participation in politics, describing it as an institution upheld not only by men but also, unfortunately, by women themselves. She stressed the need for training and empowerment to increase women's representation in line with the National Gender Policy (NGP). Michael advocated for legislative action to back women's inclusion, given that they constitute about 50% of the voting population and over 60% of the total population.
Hajiya Safiya Musa-Ribah, Women Leader of Consolidated APC Grassroots Mobilisation, highlighted the challenges of marginalisation, patriarchy, cultural beliefs, stigmatisation, financial constraints, and lack of political exposure that limit women's involvement in politics. She insisted on training and deliberate mentorship to prepare women for elective offices.
Similarly, Alhaji Nasiru Karofi, Director of the National Orientation Agency (NOA) in Kebbi, called for more women to contest legislative seats, especially in local government areas with two constituencies in the state assembly. He urged political parties to create a level playing field for women by reducing nomination fees and ensuring fairness in internal party democracy.
The Director of Women in the Sokoto State Ministry of Women and Children Affairs, Hajia Hauwa'u Umar-Jabo, mentioned various programmes piloted to ensure women's participation in different sectors. She pointed out the low representation of women in key political positions and suggested that aspiring for political positions could be easier, recognizing the roles women play in society.
In an interview, the District Head of Gagi, Alhaji Sani Umar-Jabbi, highlighted the impact of cultural and religious beliefs on women's participation in northern Nigeria, stressing the need for increased awareness.
In Zamfara State, the Spokesperson to Gov. Dauda Lawal, Mr. Suleiman Idris, noted the presence of women in important public offices, indicating their capability to compete in any political office. A Social Advocate, Hajia Halisa Nurudden, mentioned that traditional, patriarchal attitudes and high expenditure in politicking have been limiting women's roles and leadership opportunities.