Across the globe, women have shown strong and unwavering commitment to change narratives and do things in different perspectives from their male counterparts if given the opportunity to lead across all strata of human endeavors. In politics, women worldwide have made significant strides, but analysts believe there’s still a long way to go before achieving equal representation like their male counterparts who have dominated leadership positions in almost all areas of political and socio-economic lives.
Studies have shown that if women, especially those in politics, are given the opportunity to lead, they become highly responsive to constituent concerns. Naturally, women tend to help secure lasting peace and prioritize the welfare of the people. Research indicates that women leaders react quicker to crises and ensure proper communication to the public. When women lead, there’s tangible gain for the democratic process, including responsiveness to citizen needs and increased cooperation across party, religious, and tribal lines.
However, despite the obvious benefits, women still face significant barriers aspiring to leadership positions. Women are underrepresented in government bodies due to various reasons, including a gap in political ambition and negative stereotypes. Family duties and formation have been observed to cause significant delays in aspiring women’s political careers. Societal expectations and caregiving responsibilities also complicate women’s ascent to leadership roles.
Nigeria’s democracy has made significant strides in promoting women in leadership positions, but there’s still a long way to go. Women like Remi Tinubu, Ngozi Okonjo-Iweala, Oby Ezekwesili, and Natasha Akpoti Uduaghan are breaking barriers in politics, economics, and other professional endeavors because they dare to conquer their world.
It is on this premise that I congratulate the president-elect, Aishat Musa Umar. Because you dare to aspire, today you have not only broken barriers but also set a precedent for other women at this level to gear up for leadership roles. We look forward to a successful, prosperous, and eventful tenure.
Special commendation goes to the entire students of the Mass Communication department of Federal University Lokoja on the success of the just-concluded departmental elections. Your collective will and decisions have shaped the historical narrative by electing the first female president of MACOSA FUL chapter. You guys are the true heroes of democracy.
– Abdulmumin Abubakar writes from Okene.
