Anambra 2021: A Call For Women In Anambra State To Leverage On Their Vast Population For Political Advantage

CHRIS UMEOKAFOR

The age long systematic and obnoxious practice of segregation and discrimination of women in all the echelons of political and social leadership is fast eroding into oblivion. A combination of persistent advocacy and educational advancement have birthed a great enlightenment which have paved way for the modern dispensation of political liberty for women which now guarantees them the freedom to exercise their political rights such as voting in an election and eligibility to stand for election without any form of discrimination. It’s pertinent that I glide over some insufferable deprivations and degradation which primitive customs and traditions had helped in perpetuating against the female folks in the past years.

A fleeting glance at the history book will show us how our women were once treated more or less like slaves having been objectified as man’s property. They were so disregarded to the extent that they were never considered as having the requisite skills and the mental faculty to hold any leadership position both at home and in the social settings except in the kitchen and the bed room. In a nutshell, they were treated as one who had no significant values necessary to influence human, economic and socio-political developments.

However, the place and the role of women in our immediate society have changed remarkably in the past century. The proportion of women attending university, matriculating and graduating from schools and obtaining doctorate degrees have increased tremendously. No longer are women associated with low expectations both in education and workforce.

In the political field, they are breaking new grounds and setting impressive records which no one could have ever foreseen in the last century. But despite the major breakthroughs which our women have achieved in the political world, there still exist some obstinate challenges which seem to be militating against the actualization of their God given potentials. Gender inequality within families, inequitable division of labour within households and cultural attitudes about gender roles have continued to subjugate women and serve to limit their representation in political sphere. Again, the obvious lack of unity of purpose among our women especially at the polling centers have been working negatively against their interests in the previous elections.

Now, as the forthcoming gubernatorial election in Anambra state gets closer, the vast population of women in the state would be presented with another glorious opportunity to correct the mistakes of the past years by ensuring that they speak with one voice at the poll this time around.

The providence seem to be working in their favour having been saved the headache of scouting for the candidate who will champion their interests as they have been blessed already with someone of their kind in the person of Senator Uche Ekwunife who has volunteered herself to salvage the dwindling fortunes of women in our dear state if given the opportunity.

She is an astute administrator who has an intimidating records of performance both in the professional and political sectors where she has demonstrated her competence.

The ball is now in the court of our women and what they choose to do with it will determine whether there will be positive change in the way our women are treated in political sphere or the unimpressive status quo will persist.
Available data clearly give women the advantageous population which they can always wield to their favour since the cardinal principle of democracy tilts towards the majority. Therefore, I call on different women groups in our state to work in synergy and assume their status as kingmaker and make their kind, Senator Uche Ekwunife the next Governor of Anambra state come 2022.

Chris Umeokafor (Nnanyelugo) writes from Aguata