Nigeria yet to accord women enough opportunities in politics, says Tallen

A former Deputy Governor of Plateau State, Pauline Tallen, has said Nigeria, unlike other African countries, was yet to accord women enough space in the political arena.

Mrs. Tallen, who is currently a member of the ruling All Progressives Congress, said women participation in politics was yet to take centre stage in the country.

She spoke with reporters at the launch of Showcasing Her Abilities in Political Engagements (SHAPE), a compendium book chronicling the lives of 20 successful Nigerian women in politics that was authored by Youngstars Development Initiative with support from UNWomen, in Abuja.

According to her, Nigeria cannot progress as it currently is without encouraging women to participate in politics.

She said: “Nigeria cannot move forward the way we are going right now. Women participation in politics has to take the center stage. Whether we like it or not women have a critical role to play in nation building.

“We are not fighting the men, we are not competing with the men, we are partners in progress. The world over have acknowledged the vital roles women should play in nation building. In the whole of the continent we are known to be the giant of Africa, but as regards politics we are the least. Most of the African countries have gone.”

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Tallen said it was shameful that some women has turned themselves into praise singers of politicians.

This, she explained, meant that some women do not get to the peak of their political careers.

She said: “Women should stop being praise-singers and clapping hands for politicians and serving food. It’s not healthy and not the best for us.

“As long as we allow ourselves to be used we will never get there. It is better for women to try and be in the mainstream of the campaign. If you are at the mainstream of the campaign you will be reckoned with. But if you hang around as praise singers, serving food and drinks, that is how you will remain.

“I appeal to women to always be at the mainstream. Women should ensure that they attend most of the critical meetings. Also, women should always support women. I can see senators Rep members and members state houses of assembly members in the making.

“It is unhealthy when we don’t see ourselves as threat to men we want a healthy environment where men and women can effectively participate in nation-building. By right as citizens of this country we have every right to participate. Women have prove their worth in various capacities. But the atmosphere of recent have not given the opportunity.

“But when you start listening to stories of those that participated in the last primaries, they have never had it so bad. And it is unhealthy for the nation because Nigeria is flying on one wing.

“A country with a population of capable women who can prove their worth anywhere. If you go to any international conference, Nigerian women stand out. But back home,  it is a sad story. In the midst of all these challenges, I still want to encourage women that all hope is not lost. We will see light at the end of the tunnel.

“I appeal to women to remain strong and never give up. God is on how side as long as we refuse to give up.”

In his remarks, Executive Director, Youngstars, Development Initiative, Kingsley Bangwell, said the book would encourage women to go into politics.

Bangwell called on men to support the political aspirations of women rather than restrict them to certain positions.