Uduma Nkechi
The former governor of Delta state, Emmanuel Uduaghan has said that the inability of women to be in top political position is as a result of their fellow women not voting for them and has nothing to do with patriarchy.
Governor Emmanuel Uduaghan stated this during a lecture titled ” The role of women in politics”organized by Trend Fm radio station in Asaba.
Mr. Uduaghan also said the multi-tasking nature of women has made it difficult for them to follow up tasking political meetings unlike their male counterparts.
On her part, The former minister of Education, Oby Ezekwesili, who was represented by Aisha Yesufu said the patriarchal nature of men and the misrepresentation of women are some of the challenges why most women are not voted into power during elections.
“When women demand for equal political rights in the society, it does not in any way suggest that they want to change their womanhood to manhood, it simply means equal political views and representation. Even the 35% affirmative action started by then President Goodluck Jonathan has died a natural death,only few women are in the forefront of politics.
We as women need to come together and vote for our own,statistics have shown that women vote more than men, this simply means that if women can put their votes together for their fellow women, we can aim as high as presidency. Patriarchy has twisted our minds and we must put a stop to it.” She said.
Also, one of the popular Nigerian women’s rights activists, Josephine Odumakin added that women play an indispensable role in the quest for leadership and should never be relegated to the background.
“Women should be allowed to take over the mantle of leadership because our male counterparts have failed us. The impact of women in political arena has been greatly undermined due to the patriarchal practices in the society. Â
Take a look at the Senate, in 1999, only 3 out of 109 members were women, in 2003, there were four women in the senate, 2011,there were 7 women while 2015, had seven women as well.
Gender disparity must stop starting from homes where girls do the house chores and boys play football,the girl-child must be given the best in the society.” She concluded.
Theportcitynews reports that some other top personalities who graced the event are Special Adviser to the Governor on Teenage matters, Abia state and the Commissioner of Information in Delta state.
