Following the lackluster performance of the past governments and even the current administration in the country, some Nigerians in various walks of life have begun to agitate that the country should try its luck with a female president in 2023.
In this vox pop by JANET ADEYEMI, some citizens, however, opine that women do not possess the emotional maturity to rule a country as complex as Nigeria. Excerpts:
Well, having a female president in 2023 is not something bad for the country.For me, it’s a good development to embrace. It is crucial to gender equality in the country. All over the world, there are several instances of women becoming president or prime minister of countries. For instance, Laura Chinchili of Costa Rica (2010-2014), Helen Clark of Newzealand (1999-2008), Tarjan Halonen of Finland(2000-2012), Angela Merkel of Germany (2005 till date), Michelle Bachelet ( 2014-2018) and so on.
Currently, 21 women sit as the head of state or government of 195 countries of the world, according to the council on foreign Relation(CFR) a US- based think-tank. In fact, in the just concluded U.S elections, a female, Kamala Harris was elected as the first female vice president of the country. To this effect, this is a new development in America and it shows a growing tendency that in the course of time, presumably, America will record her first female president.
I think it is high time Nigerians needed to change the cultural orientation of ‘’ women cannot rule the country’’ and embrace the reality that women when given power are usually more effective.
It is evident in the current coronavirus data which shows that the countries with women in leadership position have suffered six times fewer confirmed deaths from covid-19 than the countries with government led by men.
For instance, Finland, Newzealand, Germany, Taiwan etc are seen to be particularly successful in fighting the coronavirus with less death toll. Remember, what becomes normal in society usually results from constant practice. Let’s give it a shot.
Statistics has proved that we have less than 20% female heads of states or prime ministers. Countries in which women are leading are doing an extraordinary work as regards leading the state. We have been lagging behind in putting females in the frontline. Wanting them to lead and take leadership roles in Africa is for us to bridge the gap between the male and female gender in leadership. We need to give them opportunity and not in the Presidency only, but in the lower and upper houses, and also ministerial roles.
Females need to be put in power, at least maybe a 50/50 share or 60/40 %. Giving leadership roles to the female gender pays a lot in the country. It makes our democracy stronger, women make best leaders. Recently, a survey found out that female entrepreneurs are likely to succeed than their male counterparts. So, if a female is given a mandate to rule, they will do it excellently. They will build the economy and do a lot of things expected of them. Looking at how they build their homes and the skills they have, a female president will make Nigeria a great country.
Having a female president isn’t the problem in Nigeria, we have seen it work in other countries. But the truth is, are women really ready to take up the challenge of going into the unhealthy contest with these ‘do or die’ politicians in the country. It is not impossible but its feasibility is out of sight.
I look forward to that possibility because our male presidents and senators have all disappointed us in many ways. So, having a female president may become something that will bring the positive changes that we hope for in our country.
At this point, I don’t think anyone would care if the person is a male or a female. As far as the person does better than this Buhari administration.
It is a good development to have women in active politics and it will be nice to have a female president in the country maybe things will change for better if power changes hands.
In all honesty , may the best win.I don’t think its bad, I just feel Nigeria is not ready.