Setback for Women’s Inclusion in Governance
Rev. Mrs. Ijeoma Emeribe, President and founder of Women Africa International, a non-governmental organization focused on gender advocacy and inclusion, has expressed concern over the recent controversy between Senate President Godswill Akpabio and Senator Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan. She regards this situation as a significant setback for women’s inclusion in governance.
A Critical Moment for Women in Politics
With only four women currently serving in the Senate, Emeribe believes this moment represents a crucial test for women in political roles. “If managed appropriately, it has the potential to strengthen our influence. Conversely, mishandling it could lead us back by several years,” she warned.
Risks to Progress
The advocate acknowledged that while Nigeria has made strides toward recognizing the contributions of women in politics, the ongoing dispute over sexual harassment threatens to detract from genuine governance and undermine progress. “This matter could have been resolved privately, especially given their familial connections. Allowing it to escalate publicly fosters unnecessary controversy and risks tarnishing the image of women in leadership,” she stated.
Importance of Discretion and Protocol
Emeribe stressed that appropriate measures such as internal discussions or legal avenues should have been explored before bringing the issue to the National Assembly. “If there is a legitimate claim of harassment, there are established processes in place. We must approach these situations strategically to avoid overshadowing the broader goal of women’s inclusion,” she added.
Professionalism in Leadership
Emphasizing the importance of institutional decorum, Emeribe pointed out that Senator Akpoti-Uduaghan’s choice to remain seated during the Senate President’s entry was a violation of protocol. “Regardless of personal feelings, there are established guidelines in governance. Women leaders must exemplify professionalism consistently as they set standards for others,” she remarked.
Challenges for Future Leaders
She cautioned that such conduct could create obstacles for other women in politics, providing detractors with reasons to question their capabilities within political frameworks. In addressing the international perspective of this issue, she noted that while global scrutiny is inevitable, Nigeria and Africa must rely on their governance structures. “No external body can impose values that do not align with our legal and cultural contexts,” she stated.
Encouraging Women Leaders
Rev. Emeribe urged women in leadership roles to maintain their professionalism and resilience, reminding them that personal disputes should not overshadow their significant governance responsibilities. “Women in leadership need to think long-term. We are not just representing ourselves; we are paving the way for future generations of female leaders,” she emphasized.
Setting Boundaries
She also called on male leaders to be more cognizant of professional boundaries, highlighting that, “Even if some cultures perceive certain teasing as harmless, it is inappropriate in professional environments and can lead to misunderstandings.”
Focus on Contributions
Emeribe encouraged women to maintain their focus on advancing governance instead of being sidetracked by distractions, stating that effective leadership demands tact, maturity, and a commitment to public service. “We must elevate ourselves above these challenges and demonstrate that women are not only capable of leading but can do so with wisdom and dignity,” she concluded.
