Abike Dabiri-Erewa, NiDCOM Chair, urges for stronger political and economic support for Nigerian women to enhance their participation in politics. She expresses concern over the declining representation of women in the National Assembly and highlights the obstacles of financial constraints, security threats, and cultural biases. Dabiri-Erewa also addresses the plight of trafficked Nigerian women and the need for proactive measures to ensure dignity for migrants.
In a recent interview, Abike Dabiri-Erewa, the Chairman/CEO of the Nigerians in Diaspora Commission (NiDCOM), advocated for enhanced political and economic support for Nigerian women, particularly in governance.
She expressed worry over the significant decline in the number of women in Nigeria’s National Assembly, illustrating a reduction from 27 female lawmakers when she served to only nine in the House of Representatives and four in the Senate currently. Dabiri-Erewa stated, “It’s a shame that our numbers have fallen so drastically. Political parties must be intentional about supporting qualified women.”
The rising costs and dangers associated with Nigerian elections pose additional challenges for women, according to Dabiri-Erewa. “Money is a major problem, and the process is becoming more violent. If political parties commit to reserving certain seats for qualified women, we will see positive change,” she noted.
Cultural biases also inhibit women’s political participation, with lingering outdated beliefs discouraging their leadership ambitions. “Someone once said a woman can’t be a governor because she can’t break kola nut—but that’s not an issue. These outdated beliefs must change,” she remarked.
Dabiri-Erewa emphasized the importance of women being proactive in leadership roles, while also balancing family responsibilities. She stated, “No matter what, we are still mothers. We must raise our children while pursuing our careers.”
Highlighting the engagements of NiDCOM, she noted the commission’s efforts in connecting Nigerians abroad with their home country, showcasing initiatives such as Diaspora Day and the Diaspora Investment Summit. “We want the diaspora to become a critical investment force,” she explained, referring to over $90 billion in remittances from Nigerians overseas.
She raised concerns about the trafficking of Nigerians, particularly women, to countries like Iraq and Libya, revealing that over 5,000 women are stranded under dire circumstances. “These agents need to be named, shamed, and jailed. We must do more to protect our citizens from these dangers,” she asserted.
Dabiri-Erewa highlighted that NiDCOM collaborates with various agencies to combat this issue and emphasized the need for public awareness to prevent further exploitation. On the topic of deported Nigerians, she urged that migrants should be treated with dignity, asserting, “Migration is not a crime. Many Nigerians travel in search of a better life.”
Optimistic about the future, she reiterated the necessity of eliminating systemic barriers to support women in politics and leverage the diaspora for national development. “Women need to be supported in politics. The diaspora must be fully engaged for national growth,” she concluded.
In summary, Abike Dabiri-Erewa calls for focused efforts to empower Nigerian women in politics through financial and systemic support. She highlights the pressing issues of cultural biases and security concerns that hinder women’s participation in leadership roles. Furthermore, she underscores the importance of the Nigerian diaspora in national development and the need for public awareness regarding the trafficking of women. Ultimately, her vision is for an inclusive political landscape that nurtures women’s contributions to governance and society.
Original Source: businessday.ng
