Due to the cultural norms and values of the African societies, women are being deprived of certain rights and privileges. It is assumed that a woman should always be submissive to a man. Women are relegated to the background when it comes to the issue of politics. It is hard to find a woman holding the position of a political party leader. This is due to the subjective belief that the men are superior to women.
According to Dr. Kamselem Shehu, a political analyst and lecturer at the department of political science, faculty of social sciences, University of Maiduguri, “Women are not liberated, they are voiceless, they are left behind in terms of Nigerian politics”. These are the major set-backs in women emancipation in politics. They are not given a fair and equal treatment in terms of political appointments and positions of authority.
Furthermore, the psychological belief of the Nigerian women is one the major problems militating against the emancipation of women in politics. They believe that they are inferior and the men are superior. This has limited the voices of women from being heard. In a society where women are not given fair treatment with their male counterparts there will not be effective women emancipation.
Another factor that militates against women emancipation in Nigerian politics is lack of education. It is not necessarily be western education but also the religious and other forms of education. This limits the level of women emancipation in politics.
However, there is a need for women emancipation in the Nigerian politics. Over the years, precisely since independence, there has not been a woman president. The ratio of men in the ministerial positions (past and present), and top political positions has always been higher than that of the women. Apparently, the men have failed Nigerians.
Dr. Kamselem also said that, “Government must be sincere in enhancing women emancipation in the Nigerian politics”. The women should be given equal opportunities like the men. In the process of appointing ministers and members of the cabinets, women should be given equal opportunity with their male counterparts. This will go a long way to enhance women’s emancipation.
More so, women have to stand up psychologically. They should change their mindset of inferiority to superiority. The women need to stand up and participate actively in the political affairs of the country. They should know that the country is not for men alone.
In the same vein, education is very essential in enhancing the level of women emancipation in the Nigerian politics. They say, “When you educate a woman, you educate a nation”. This implies that, given the necessary education to women will go a long way in enhancing women emancipation in politics.
Also, the religious leaders are encouraged to promote women emancipation at various levels of the Nigerian politics. They should not be subservient to the male gender. They should give fair and unbiased treatment to both genders. This will go a long way in promoting a healthy society.
Awang Umar Garams,
Billiri, Gombe state
