NiDCOM Chair Advocates for Enhanced Support for Nigerian Women in Leadership

Abike Dabiri-Erewa, NiDCOM Chairman/CEO, calls for enhanced support for women in leadership and politics in Nigeria. She highlights the decline in female representation in the National Assembly and calls for political parties to support qualified women. She stresses the need to address cultural biases and safety concerns while also encouraging women to prove their competencies in leadership roles. Overall, she emphasizes the role of the diaspora in fostering national development and protecting citizens from exploitation.

In a recent exclusive interview, Abike Dabiri-Erewa, the Chairman/CEO of the Nigerians in Diaspora Commission (NiDCOM), emphasized the necessity for more intentional support for women in politics and leadership roles. She expressed concern over the decreasing number of women in elected offices, noting significant socio-economic, cultural, and security challenges as barriers to their participation.

Dabiri-Erewa highlighted the stark decline in the representation of women in Nigeria’s National Assembly, which has plummeted from 27 female lawmakers to just nine in the House of Representatives and four in the Senate. She urged political parties to take deliberate action to support qualified women candidates to address this decline.

She pointed out that the challenging nature of modern electioneering in Nigeria, characterized by high costs and increasing dangers, poses additional hurdles for women. To foster positive change, she suggested that political parties commit to reserving seats for qualified women, as financial and security impediments significantly hinder their chances of competition.

Beyond these issues, cultural biases continue to deter women from pursuing leadership roles. Dabiri-Erewa recounted instances where traditional views discouraged women from seeking office and urged a shift from outdated societal norms. She stressed the importance of women demonstrating their competence to enhance governance.

Despite advocating for women’s leadership, Dabiri-Erewa acknowledged the necessity of balancing career ambitions with family responsibilities, reinforcing the role of women as both leaders and mothers.

In discussing the achievements of NiDCOM, she emphasized the organization’s role in bridging connections between the Nigerian diaspora and the nation, highlighting events like Diaspora Day and the Diaspora Investment Summit. These initiatives reflect the importance of diaspora contributions, with remittances exceeding $90 billion.

Moreover, she raised concerns regarding the trafficking of women to areas such as Iraq and Libya, revealing that many Nigerians face dire situations. Dabiri-Erewa called for stricter measures against traffickers and better protective actions for citizens, highlighting ongoing collaborations with various government agencies.

On the topic of deported Nigerians, she stated that migration should not be equated with criminality, as many strive for improved living conditions. She asserted that deportees must be treated with dignity, further illustrating her commitment to the welfare of Nigerians abroad.

Dabiri-Erewa expressed optimism regarding the future of Nigerian women in leadership roles, stating that concerted efforts must be made to dismantle systemic barriers. She remains firm that support for women in politics and active diaspora engagement are crucial for national growth.

The call for stronger political and economic support for Nigerian women, as articulated by Abike Dabiri-Erewa, highlights critical issues surrounding representation, cultural biases, and security challenges. With a focus on addressing systemic barriers through intentional political engagement, promoting female leadership, and safeguarding against trafficking, it is evident that concerted efforts from multiple sectors are needed for meaningful progress. The engagement of the Nigerian diaspora is equally vital in driving national development.

Original Source: businessday.ng