By Rukaiyatu Idris
In a community that highly values cultural traditions, Anna Bitrus refused to give up on her dreams, even when faced opposition from her immediate family and community members. She battled these critics when she first expressed her interest in politics. Despite their disapproval, she never let her hopes fade away.
Eventually, Hon. Anna Bitrus became the only female supervisory councilor among the four in the Biu Local Government Area of southern Borno. However, she faced a series of condemnations from society before assuming the office of councilor in her ward, Zarawuyaku.
Anna, who is an active and vibrant young woman, recently shared her political journey, as well as the patriarchal structure of her community and how she persevered.
“My parents believed that my interest in politics would put my dignity at stake, and they were afraid that it would bring criticism and judgment upon our family,” explained Hon. Anna Bitrus.
Hon. Anna Bitrus explained that her father was concerned about her being single because there is a common perception that well-trained young women should not participate in politics, regardless of their motives.
Anna also discussed how her passion nurtured her dreams in politics. “At the time, I didn’t know exactly what I wanted to achieve in politics, but I knew I wanted to participate. So, I had to plead with my parents every day. Fortunately, other relatives supported me in convincing them, and that’s how I got started,” she explained.
“As a young woman from the northern region, I knew politics wouldn’t be easy. That’s why I sought guidance from people in my locality whose passion inspired me. They mentored me as I demonstrated my commitment,” Hon. Anna Bitrus added.
The negative perception of young women in politics is not limited to this region alone; it also includes doubts about their ability to be entrusted with leadership positions.
Hon. Anna Bitrus shared how people’s lack of confidence in her in the political space has been challenging, as it created self-doubt within her at some point. However, she persisted and continued to prove herself until she was finally given the position of supervisory councilor in the local government. “It was a long journey, but I am grateful for the opportunity to prove myself,” she said.
In Northern Nigeria, cultural and social sentiments are strong, and Borno state values norms that discourage young women from participating in politics. People in the political sphere have observed several societal issues surrounding young women’s participation in a community like Borno.
The Executive Director of Women in the New Nigeria and Youth Empowerment Initiative (WINN), Comr. Lucy D Unana pointed out that immediate family members are often the first to question a woman’s intention to join politics. They worry about what society will think of her, and this pressure can lead the woman to reconsider her decision. “This pressure often causes the woman to think twice about joining politics,” she explained.
In 2021, Ogechi Ekeanyanwu from The Conversation Africa interviewed Damilola Agbalojobi, a political scientist and gender specialist, to explain the lack of representation of women in Nigerian politics.
According to Damilola Agbalojobi, various factors contribute to this issue, including the political party systems and structures. The high cost of politics is one of these factors, making it challenging for women to stand for positions. Women often cannot afford to pay for the mandatory expression of interest and nomination forms required by political parties to run for positions on their platforms.
Experts have attributed the poor participation of women in politics to the patriarchal nature of Nigerian society, which has its roots in the political party structure. This structure threatens the participation of female aspirants and undermines their candidature.
Ali Aliyu, the Secretary of the Borno State People’s Democratic Party (PDP), highlighted the significant role that societal sentiment plays in shaping an individual’s decision, including the decision of young women to participate in politics. He noted that the prevailing belief that a young woman should get married rather than pursue a career in politics stands in the way of many women interested in politics.
Comr. Mahmud Mohammad, a former Special Adviser to the Nigerian Vice President-elect, also expressed concern about the lack of support for young women in Borno who express an interest in politics. He pointed out that in a society like Borno, only a few, if any, would support a young woman who wants to pursue a political career. This lack of support further discourages young women from participating in politics.
At a one-day meeting organized by the Centre for Democratic Development (CDD) in 2022, Beatrice Eyong, the UN women’s representative to Nigeria and the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS) highlighted that women’s participation in Nigerian politics is significantly lower compared to other African countries.
This statement is supported by a report by Gender Strategy Advancement International, which indicates that women’s political participation in Nigeria stands at a mere 6.7%. This figure falls below the global average of 22.5%, the African regional average of 23.4%, and the West African subregional average of 15%. The report underscores the need for concerted efforts to address the barriers to women’s political participation in Nigeria.
Women in the Political sphere motivate young women
Aisha Adamu Abdullahi emphasized the potential power of women’s numbers in the country’s population to effect change and determine the fate of women in politics. Supporting fellow women who aspire to represent their communities is vital in achieving this goal. She urged every young woman committed to contributing to national development to stand firm and protect her interests. With the support of others, they can overcome the barriers that hinder women’s political participation and make a meaningful contribution to the nation’s progress.
(Aisha Adamu Abdullah is an active female politician in Borno who contests for member House of Representatives in the southern part of the state in the 2023 elections under the Social Democratic Party SGP).
According to a United Nations (UN) report, women comprise more than 49% of Nigeria’s population. Despite women’s challenges in the political arena, the WINN Executive Director, Comr. Lucy D Unana encourages young women not to give up.
“We cannot let societal intimidations and discrimination break us as women,” she said. “We have already fought through numerous battles and are making a significant impact. I am calling on young women in Borno, northeast Nigeria, and beyond to join us in politics. Your age is not a barrier, as credibility is essential. Don’t let societal perceptions hold you back. We are here to mentor and ensure you soar in your political journey.”
Hon. Anna Bitrus uses her voice to encourage young women to pursue their political aspirations despite societal pressure.
“Don’t let society’s perception of young women in politics define who you are or what you can become,” she said. “When I started my political career, people’s opinions threatened my dreams. But I persevered, and now I am married and still pursuing my career as a politician. You, too, can do the same or even more.”
Her message is clear: Young women should not be held back by societal expectations and should strive to achieve their goals regardless of what others say.
Experts’ opinion/proffered solutions
According to Ali Aliyu, the Secretary of the Borno State People’s Democratic Party (PDP), to overcome the issue of societal prejudice towards young women’s involvement in politics, cultural and religious leaders should be involved in political discussions at all levels. He believes that these leaders significantly influence public opinion and beliefs, and their involvement can help create sustainable awareness and sensitization on the issue.
In addition, Aliyu, also a PDP administrative officer, suggests that increasing the visibility of women in mainstream media can be a strategy to highlight the importance of women in politics and raise awareness of the negative perceptions surrounding them. By highlighting the successes and achievements of women in politics, the media can help change societal attitudes toward women’s participation in politics.
The Secretary of the Borno State People’s Democratic Party (PDP) believes that programs that focus on women in politics should be conducted in local languages since the opinions of older adults still hold significant sway in many communities. Using local languages, these programs can reach a wider audience and help change societal attitudes toward women’s participation in politics.
Comrade Lucy D Unana, on the other hand, stressed the importance of mentorship for young women interested in politics. She believes that women who are already in political positions or understand the nuances of politics should guide and mentor young women to help them achieve their dreams. Comr. Lucy D Unana also emphasized that negative opinions should not deter young women from pursuing their aspirations and that they should be encouraged to focus on their goals as individuals.
According to Comr. Mahmud Mohammad, an expert in Borno politics, says political parties must provide equal opportunities for women and support them in assuming any position they desire.
He believes that certain positions can only be effectively championed by women, and limiting their access to them deprives the entire nation of the opportunity to benefit from their contributions. As Nigerians, we must do better and support women who are ready to deliver and make a positive impact in politics.
(Comr. Mahmud Mohammad is a one-time Special Adviser to the Nigerian Vice President, Kashim Shettima, and is now an active participant in the All Progressive Congress APC activities across Nigeria)
Premium Times reported that as of the 2023 International Women’s Day, only 157 women have been elected into the National Assembly since 1999. This number includes 38 female senators and 119 female members of the House of Representatives. In comparison, during the same period, 2,657 men were elected, comprising 616 senators and 2,041 members of the House of Representatives.
Call for action
It is commendable that steps are being taken to break down the societal misconceptions that hinder young women from participating in politics. Swift implementation measures should be implemented to ensure that traditional and religious leaders are included in every sensitization strategy. These leaders hold a crucial position in shaping the perceptions, decision-making, and beliefs of their society. It is hoped that politicians at all levels in Borno will prioritize this approach.
This Story is part of the AWiM/Luminate Young Women in Politics Programme
The Humanitarian Times 