There is no doubt about the fact that politics is still seen as a largely male run and male dominated field. And this stems from the belief that a man is to lead. What it has done is make women’s issues almost invisible or demonised by a mostly male political class.
However, there are women in politics and governance who deserve a lot more amplification for their political stories and their dedication to championing the rights of women.
Urban Woman Magazine recently asked some women to share who those women are to them.
Read their responses below.
E
Hajia Gambo Sawaba
Hajia Gambo Sawaba challenged colonial rule and Northern patriarchy through activism. She was arrested and intimidated so many times. Her political interest was focused on women’s political inclusion, education, and the right to speak truth to power.
Abiodun Olujimi has been in the National Assembly for a while now and started the GEO bill. As a senator, she has advocated for gender equality, education, and social development. She mentors quite a number of younger female politicians.
Remi Shonaiya has been in the policy development and governance space pushing for women’s rights, inclusion, and governance reforms. She ran for presidency, I think 2015/2019, not sure now, and she has been active working with female centric organizations.
S
Senator Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan. I really like how brave she was in speaking about sexual harassment in the Senate. It was a sad incident but I like that she did not fold.
J
Mary Nzimiro. She’s dead now but she was a very wealthy politician that joined the campaign for Nigeria’s independence. She was also a women’s rights campaigner.
Angel Nduka-Nwosu is a writer, journalist and editor. She moonlights occasionally as a podcaster on As Angel Was Sayin’. Catch her on all socials @asangelwassayin.