Abike Dabiri-Erewa, NiDCOM Chair, calls for increased support for Nigerian women in politics due to declining representation. She highlights financial, cultural, and security barriers to women’s participation. The article also addresses concerns about trafficking and deportation of Nigerians, emphasizing the need for dignity in migration and greater engagement with the diaspora for national development.
Abike Dabiri-Erewa, the Chairman/CEO of the Nigerians in Diaspora Commission (NiDCOM), advocates for enhanced political and economic support for women in Nigeria, particularly in political leadership roles. She highlights the alarming decline in female representation in elected positions, with the National Assembly’s female lawmakers decreasing from 27 to a mere nine in the House of Representatives and four in the Senate.
Dabiri-Erewa emphasizes the critical need for political parties to intentionally support qualified women, asserting that many capable candidates can succeed if provided with appropriate backing. She raises concerns about the increasing costs and dangers of electioneering in Nigeria, noting that these challenges disproportionately affect women’s ability to compete.
Addressing cultural biases, she recalls instances where societal norms discouraged women from leadership aspirations. Furthermore, she encourages women to assert their confidence and capability, asserting that improved governance accompanies increased female leadership. Dabiri-Erewa also underscores the importance of balancing career ambitions with family responsibilities.
In discussing the contributions of the Diaspora Commission, she highlights the progress made in engaging Nigerians abroad and fostering national development, citing initiatives such as Diaspora Day, the Diaspora Investment Summit, and enhanced involvement in sectors like healthcare and education.
Dabiri-Erewa expresses concern over the troubling issue of Nigerian women being trafficked to countries like Iraq and Libya, insisting on the need for stricter measures against traffickers. Moreover, she insists that deported migrants must be treated with dignity, affirming that migration is not a crime.
Despite the challenges, she remains hopeful about the prospects for Nigerian women in leadership and the diaspora’s role in national growth. She calls for continued efforts to dismantle systemic hurdles that hinder women’s political participation.
The article underscores the urgent need for intentional support for Nigerian women in politics and leadership. Abike Dabiri-Erewa emphasizes that both systemic barriers and cultural biases must be addressed to increase female representation. The discussion on the diaspora’s role also highlights its significance in national development and the necessity of protecting vulnerable Nigerians from exploitation. Ultimately, promoting female leadership is essential for improved governance and societal progress.
Original Source: businessday.ng
