It’s no secret that women make up the majority of any society’s population from all ramifications or criteria of concerns.
The form the highest number of associations—be it in firms, organizations, political parties, religious bodies, age grades, institutions, professional unions, and more. Yet, sadly, this overwhelming majority often does not translate into support for one another, especially when it truly matters, as they are good vessels of “Bring Him Down” narratives across boards.
It is quite regrettable that while a good number of women clamour for women’s rights, and affirmative positions in society, and politics to change some ugly narratives per se; it is only a few who stand up for their course (vision) and mission when the chips are down, even when it critically concerns them as a whole or individually.
In the foregoing, take Senator Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan as a case study. A courageous woman who has not only made Nigerian women proud in politics but has also worked diligently and tirelessly for the progress of her constituency and for the empowerment of women. Despite all this, when she found herself in a face-off with the Senate President—one that revealed deep-rooted issues of fairness and gender dynamics—only a handful of women spoke up for her. Even fellow female politicians and activists were largely silent. What more could have happened if she was not bravely forged, enlightened, and supported by her husband? What would have been case if she had entered such somewhat battlefield with lip support from her gender, only to be abandoned in the middle of confronting their fears? Your answers and guesses are a good as mine. Just imagine leading an army to a battlefield, only to be disappointed on looking back that the soldiers had long retreated, curling back into their shells; leaving you to the pathetic mercy of the enemy and his camp. It is that bad and ugly.
Shamefully, despite a court ruling in her favour, the National Assembly has refused to recall her. Where are the voices of our women? Where is the outrage? Only a few bold persons, like Aisha Yesufu, have dared to say “enough is enough.” What a country!!!. No wonder the system keeps the poor poorer, ensuring they have no voice or will of their own.
Senator Natasha’s ordeal is a wake-up call to all Nigerian women, especially those in politics. Stop expecting men to hand you space or quota—it may never happen. Instead, support one another, lift each other, defend your own. Do not allow yourselves to be used as tools against your fellow women.
It’s time to wise up. The power is in unity.
Do you think women are their own worst enemies in politics and leadership?
Let’s hear your thoughts in the comments.
—De Prince Ukwu
A concerned citizen