During an event commemorating International Women’s Day in Abuja, the People’s Demographic Party’s (PDP) Acting National Chairman, Umar Damagum, expressed support for the idea of a female president in the near future. The event, titled Empowering Women and Girls for Political Leadership, highlighted the importance of increasing female representation in politics. Damagum’s statements were conveyed by the PDP National Secretary, Samuel Anyanwu, who represented him during the event. International Women’s Day, observed every year on March 8th, serves as a worldwide celebration of the accomplishments of women across various sectors, including social, economic, cultural, and political fields, while also advocating for their equal rights.
The United Nations has chosen the theme “Invest in Women: Accelerate Progress” as the main focus for 2024. During the speech by Damagum, it was highlighted that women are provided with various avenues to pursue their aspirations. The speaker emphasised the vital roles of mothers and women in society. Expressing optimism, he shared his prayers and hopes for a future where a woman would hold the position of president in the country, even if it may not happen in his generation.
Gender equality in politics and leadership is crucial to the SDG 2030.
With all honesty and genuine conviction, he expressed his belief that men have let down the current generation. This is the reason why the pioneers of PDP value the crucial role of women in politics. Nowadays, in Nigeria, it is undeniable that the PDP stands out as the most democratic party in both Nigeria and Africa, he explained. Damagum stated that this exclusive party allows women to aim for any position without the need for monetary contributions, in order to inspire and motivate them.
In a recent address, the PDP National Woman’s Leader, Amina Arong, emphasised the importance of ongoing efforts to promote women’s involvement in Nigerian politics. Arong stressed that achieving gender equality in political participation and leadership is crucial for reaching sustainable development goals by 2030. Her statement emphasized the importance of motivating women to seek positions of leadership and providing them with the necessary training as well as the readiness to excel in influential roles. She highlighted research indicating that companies under female leadership outperformed those led by men during economic downturns.
Bias against women and their career progression must be eliminated.
It is crucial to eliminate bias against working mothers and resolve the barriers that hinder their career progression, such as maternal walls and stereotypes faced by women in the workforce. Encourage women to achieve financial autonomy and establish a financial plan that enables women to raise funds to support those planning to seek political office. It is important that party appointments and electoral positions demonstrate adherence to the 35 percent affirmative action mandated in party constitutions, ensuring that opportunities are not limited to a single role, she emphasized.
Furthermore, women’s participation in the workforce and politics has increased significantly over the past few decades. In many countries, women now make up a large portion of the labour force and hold a wide range of jobs in various industries. This increase in women’s participation in the workforce can be attributed to several factors, including changing societal norms, advancements in education and training opportunities for women, and government policies that promote gender equality in the workplace. However, despite these advancements, women still face barriers to full participation in the workforce.
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Gender discrimination, unequal pay, lack of access to affordable childcare, and limited opportunities for career advancement are just some of the challenges that continue to impact women’s ability to participate fully in the workforce. Efforts to address these barriers and promote gender equality in the workforce are ongoing, with organizations and governments working to implement policies and programs that support women’s participation and advancement in the workplace. By continuing to advocate for gender equality and address the systemic barriers that women face, we can create a more inclusive and equitable workforce for all.
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