Katsina State’s First Lady, Zulaihat Dikko Radda, has launched a powerful call to action for Nigerian women, urging them to transcend their traditional role as voters and actively pursue political positions. The statement came during a groundbreaking workshop titled “Unlocking Nigeria’s Future” held this weekend in Katsina State, marking a significant push for greater female political participation in northern Nigeria.
Speaking through her representative, seasoned politician Mariya Abdullahi, the First Lady emphasized that mere voting falls short of the level of political engagement needed from women in contemporary Nigeria. She pointed to her husband’s administration as an example of progressive leadership, highlighting its focus on youth appointments and creating opportunities for emerging leaders.
Contest elections; not just voting,” the First Lady’s message resonated through the gathering. “You must be focused so that no one can distract your attention. I am advising women not to be discouraged in seeking political office.” This direct challenge to women represents a departure from traditional narratives that often limit women’s political participation in northern Nigeria.
The workshop, organized by the Initiative For Better and Brighter Nigeria (IBBN) in the Northwest Zone, brought together key stakeholders to address the critical issue of women’s political participation. Under the theme “The Role of Women and Youth in Politics Challenges and Remedies,” the event served as a platform for examining barriers and opportunities for women in politics.
Dr. Rabi Dalhat, Director of the Centre for Gender Studies at Federal University Dutsinma, Katsina, provided scholarly insight into the challenges facing women’s political empowerment in the North-West region. Her analysis revealed a complex web of social, cultural, and institutional barriers that continue to impede women’s political advancement.
The obstacles identified include deeply entrenched cultural and religious beliefs, limited educational opportunities, early marriage practices, and systematic discrimination. Dr. Dalhat emphasized that addressing these challenges requires a multi-faceted approach, including improved access to education, enhanced legal protections, and stronger policy frameworks supporting women’s political participation.
Hauwa Jibril, the North-West Women Coordinator of IBBN, reinforced the workshop’s message by highlighting women’s fundamental role in nation-building. Women are the backbone of the nation hence the need to be supported to make the country a better place,” she declared, emphasizing the importance of creating an inclusive political environment where women are not marginalized based on gender or religious beliefs.
The timing of this initiative is particularly significant as Nigeria continues to grapple with representation issues in its political landscape. The workshop’s focus on both women and youth participation suggests a recognition that meaningful political change requires engaging multiple demographics traditionally excluded from power structures.
The First Lady’s administration has demonstrated practical commitment to these principles through various empowerment programs targeted at women in Katsina State. These initiatives aim to provide women with the tools and resources necessary to overcome traditional barriers to political participation.
The workshop also addressed the need for systemic changes in how political participation is structured. Participants discussed the importance of creating support systems that enable women to maintain their involvement in politics while managing other responsibilities. This includes addressing practical concerns such as campaign financing and building political networks.
Looking ahead, the initiative represents a crucial step toward reshaping political participation in northern Nigeria. By encouraging women to seek elected positions actively, rather than remaining passive voters, the program aims to create a more representative and inclusive political system.
The message from Katsina’s First Lady and the workshop participants clearly indicates that the future of Nigerian politics must include more active participation from women at all levels. This push for greater female political engagement represents not just a challenge to traditional gender roles but a recognition that effective governance requires diverse perspectives and experiences.
