I have often wondered why few Nigerian women have demonstrated keen interest in political leadership. Why, for example, is the Nigerian political and public space dominated by men? It is a troubling question but it is not one that lends itself to easy answers. On the surface, we celebrate the entrenchment of democracy and official recognition of civic and human rights in our society. But can these democratic achievements provide the potent energy or serve as platforms through which Nigerian women could regain consciousness from their political snooze?
Some people would argue that, regardless of gender, nobody has been excluded from participating in the political arena. Others would contend that Nigeria's political space is large enough to accommodate everybody. Like a marketplace of ideas, everyone is free to trade their ware in the public domain. These arguments can be rebutted on various grounds. As Fred Siebert argued in his analysis of the libertarian theory of the press, it is not enough to tell people that they are free to achieve their objectives in life. If the opportunities don't exist or if the opportunities are weighted heavily against them, they will never accomplish their dream goals.
To read the complete opinion piece please visit NGR Guardian News.
I have often wondered why few Nigerian women have demonstrated keen interest in political leadership. Why, for example, is the Nigerian political and public space dominated by men? It is a troubling question but it is not one that lends itself to easy answers. On the surface, we celebrate the entrenchment of democracy and official recognition of civic and human rights in our society. But can these democratic achievements provide the potent energy or serve as platforms through which Nigerian women could regain consciousness from their political snooze?
Some people would argue that, regardless of gender, nobody has been excluded from participating in the political arena. Others would contend that Nigeria's political space is large enough to accommodate everybody. Like a marketplace of ideas, everyone is free to trade their ware in the public domain. These arguments can be rebutted on various grounds. As Fred Siebert argued in his analysis of the libertarian theory of the press, it is not enough to tell people that they are free to achieve their objectives in life. If the opportunities don't exist or if the opportunities are weighted heavily against them, they will never accomplish their dream goals.
To read the complete opinion piece please visit NGR Guardian News.