How to break barriers against women participation in politics, by First Lady

By Egena Sunday Ode

Nigeria’s First Lady, Oluremi Tinubu as has suggested that adequate education of the girl chid holds the key to breaking the barriers against women participation in politics in the entire African continent.

Mrs Tinubu also noted that creating the necessary awareness about the need for women to actively participate in politics would also help to address the situation.

“Education is the cornerstone of empowerment. By improving access to education for girls and women, we can equip them with the knowledge and skills necessary to participate effectively in political processes. Additionally, raising awareness about the importance of women’s representation in governance is crucial. Public campaigns, media engagement, and community programs can help shift societal attitudes and dismantle stereotypes that hinder women’s political participation,” the First Lady said.

She spoke at the ECOWAS Female Parliamentarians Association Spotlight Initiative with the theme; Re-thinking Women’s Proportional Representation in Governance, held at the Senate Wing of the National Assembly.

Mrs Tinubu noted that President Bola Tinubu’s administration had made significant progress in this regard, but observed that barriers still exist especially culturally and socially.

“These barriers include deeply entrenched societal norms, systemic discriminatory practices, structural issues within our political systems, and financial incapability”.

“To achieve this across board, we must be seen to walk the talk. For instance, our party, the All Progressives Congress (APC), has taken significant steps to remove financial barriers by making nomination forms for elective positions free at grassroots level, ensuring that capable and qualified women can participate in the political process without the burden of prohibitive costs,” according to her.

She commended the House of Representatives for its recent passage of the Bill seeking 74 seats for women in the National Assembly in a bid to encourage more female participation in politics and governance.

“I believe that the leadership in the Senate is gender-friendly,” she said.

“Power is not served A’lar carte, just as my husband, President Bola Tinubu said. You have to learn how to obtain power. You need older women to mentor you ” the First Lady added.