EMPOWERMENT OF THE SOCIETY THROUGH WOMEN PARTICIPATION IN POLITICS- THE GOVERNOR OF NIGER STATE: RT HON UMAR BAGO EXAMPLE!
By: Muhammadu Dagaci Etsugaie.
Governor Umar Bago of Niger state, a fortnight ago released the list of 131 Women political appointees as part of his emerging governance structure. The development, which is first of its kind in the state, has generated mixed reactions and set tongues wagging uncontrollably across the state. The common questions are: why Women and why the number.
Here, an attempt is made to highlight the role of Women in government, their empowerment potential in particular and in the process, justify the Governor’s action.
Clearly, women’s representation in government is not the only factor, but it is a critical factor for the development of inclusive, responsive, and transparent democracies the world over.
So, why women in politics? The positive impact of women in politics is undeniable. Kofi Annan noted, “study after study has taught us, there is no tool for development more effective than the empowerment of women. No other policy is as likely to raise economic productivity or to reduce child and maternal mortality. No other policy is as sure to improve nutrition and promote health, including the prevention of HIV/AIDS. No other policy is as powerful in increasing the chances of education for the next generation.” Further, as Madeleine Albright has stated, the world is wasting a precious resource in the dramatic underrepresentation of women in leadership positions, often resulting in the exclusion of women’s talents and skills in political life.
The global prevalent reality today, is that male and female politicians must be encouraged to work together in order to solve the myriad of problems in their communities or even countries. In order to meet worldwide development goals and build strong, sustainable democracies, women must be encouraged, empowered and supported in becoming strong political and community leaders due to their unique nature and skills.
One of the greatest contributions Women make to their society is, leadership in their homes as wives and Mother’s in creating strong, and educated future generations that would love their communities, assist in carrying on the development process for continuance and sustainace.
Women, due to their central family roles are the soul and spirit of their homes, community and even nation. A Woman has strong feelings, a kind heart, a sharp mind, a high ambitions and a refreshing perspective . And that why an educationally empowered Women, if in government, can be used to empower the society.
Women are also, the very heart of their communities. We would never have been what we are today without the sustained care of our Mothers.
IAM a living witness of the enormous political mobilization potential of Women as exhibited during the last political campaigns for the 2023 general elections in my capacity as an actor and leader of support groups both at the federal and state levels for various elective positions.
Women were more active than Men in the campaign activities of the support groups. The mass participation of Women in the activities of the Umar Bago Destiny Support Group and One Nation ASIWAJU/ SHETTIMA SUPPORT GROUP where IAM the Special Adviser and Director General respectively, are good testimonies of the great mobilization spirit of Women. The Women were not only involved but participated with much passion, enthusiasm, zeal and interest. They outnumbered and did more than the Men.
This, am sure, assisted in guiding the Governor in his appointment of the Women as political mobilisers, empowerment coordinators and Special assistants as a matter of creating the necessary possibilities and opportunities for Women to participate in politics to contribute their quota.
This is a novel legacy building move by the new government of Niger state which is inline with the campaign promise of Mr Governor.
I wish to admonish Mr Governor to set the appointees loose, acquaint them with lessons of his vision, give them responsibilities and authorise them to make them functional and accountable.
This is important because appointment without responsibility and authority would amount to nothing if not waste of time and resources!
Meanwhile, I commend Mr Governor for his sense of creativity and Innovation. I urge the Women appointees to give a good accounts of themselves not to fail Mr Governor, Womanhood and humanity. In fact, I will personally expect from them, an exemplary behaviour and a high sense of public duty that would engender a more productive government for the well-being of the people of the state.
May God continue to guide Mr Governor and bless Niger state.
Muhammadu Dagaci Etsugaie.
Member, APC Niger state.