The Nigerian political scene has been dominated by men since independence with relative failure. Through military coups, political irresponsibility and brazen corruption, the men have largely shown how not no lead. There have been gains in some areas and certain times but the overriding feeling among many, both Nigerians and Non-Nigerians, is that of a giant that once threatened to fly but barely manages to crawl these days.
The exclusion of women, by omission or commission, has impacted negatively on the growth of the country in ALL areas. Some have attributed this to deep cultural beliefs and religious tenets while others simply believe that women should be seen and not heard. Special mention must be made of the innate chauvinistic ideals of men.
As much as one tries to make sense of the aforementioned rationale, it defies logic and lacks merit. Women, by their unique characteristics, are excellent managers and passionate achievers. The fabric of society is normally sewn from the family unit and more often than not, the women hold sway in that particularly area. It won’t be far fetched to assert that the moral depth of a nation is largely dependent on the contribution of women or lack of it.
A cursory look at major nations show that women are not only valued and protected, they are fully involved in policy making and implementation. During the recent economic meltdown in Europe, everyone turned to the German Chancellor, Angela Merkel, for leadership and she has successfully managed a crisis and continues to excel as the leader of Europe’s richest and most industrialized country. We may fault the West for some of their policies but no one can fault them for fully integrating women and offering necessary protection so that every woman can become all she can be.
There are sterling examples from the Emerging Nations. This is a group Nigeria belonged to, should belong to and maybe belongs to. The economies of Brazil, Argentina and Chile have all rebounded since the women took charge. Chile is reputed to have the best healthcare and Social Security system in South America because President Michele Bachelet drew on her inspiration as a mother to improve the lives of future mothers in that country. Men may have an idea of womanhood entails but only women fully grasp the true and deepest meaning.
African nations have made some progress as well. Helen Sirleaf Johnson of Liberia continues to heal her country after years of sectarian war while Malawi’s President, Joyce Banda, has shown that it is possible for women to make meaningful impact, even in a male dominated political sphere.
Coming back to Nigeria, a few women have risen to some exalted positions with mixed results. Former Speaker of the House of Representatives, Patricia Etteh, remains the most elevated woman in Nigerian history by occupying the fourth most important and powerful position in Nigeria. While her tenure was cloudy, history is still in the process of judging her stewardship. Ngozi Okonjo Iweala runs the Finance Ministry and Coordinates economic policies while Diezani Allison Madueke has overseen the Petroleum Ministry. Abike Dabiri- Erewa, Florence Ita-Giwa and Joy Emordi have been vocal, if not particularly effective.
The results have been mixed, with moments of brilliance competing with elements of failure. While the administration of their portfolio may have raised more questions than answers, no one can fault the credentials of most of the women in government. This brings me to the critical issue of credibility facing women in politics. Though the women may have performed below expectation (this is arguable considering the men didn’t fare better), we must produce more women who are capable of holding office.
Nigeria must devote more resources towards the education, protection and empowerment of women. Rather than castigate the few women who have held office, the country must strive to increase the pool of qualified women because the need for women in politics and governance is more important than ever. No nation can ignore half of its citizens and expect to make any meaningful progress. We must seize the urgency of the moment.
I recall the efforts of previous governments to protect Nigerians from avoidable diseases through Food Fortification (Iodized Salt and Vitamin A and C for Dairy and Vegetable Oil). The directive, at the time, seemed inconsequential but the eradication of goiter and scurvy, amongst other diseases is a testament of that wonderful policy. The same can be done for women. Female education, protection of girls from crude practices and maternal/infantile care and nutrition should be a cardinal policy of government. More importantly, women must be involved in crafting the necessary legislation and subsequent implementation.
It may not be celebrated today but it must be done for two reasons. It will secure our future in every sense and secondly, because it is the right thing to do.
Written byTony Eboh of African Matter
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