The wife of the Katsina State Governor, Zulaihat Dikko Radda, has stressed the need for women to embrace politics, emphasizing the need for women and the youth demography to fully participate and contest for elective offices as against taking a passive role.
This was stated by Zulaihat Dikko Radda during a workshop on “Unlocking Nigeria’s Future” that took place in Katsina State over the weekend.
The governor’s wife spoke on behalf of a seasoned state politician and pushed for greater assistance for women and young people in leadership and politics.
She claims that the Dikko Radda-led administration prioritizes youth in the majority of its political appointments.
“Contest elections, not just voting. You must be focused so that no one can distract your attention. I am advising women not to be discouraged in seeking political office,” she said.
“The role of women and youth in politics is crucial and essential for creating a more inclusive, diverse, and representative government.
“When women are involved in decision-making positions, they bring unique perspectives and experiences that can lead to more effective governance.
“By empowering women and youth to participate in politics, we can create a better and brighter future for all,” Abdullahi added.
Rabi Dalhat, the director of the Federal University Dutsinma, Katsina’s Centre for Gender Studies, described earlier in her talk the reasons that work against women’s empowerment initiatives in the North-West geopolitical zone.
These include but not limited to: lack of support in the legal system; lack of legal protections and policy frameworks; systematic discrimination and marginalization; lack of political representation and decision-making authority; cultural and religious beliefs; early marriage; dominance; domestic and gender-based violence; and limited access to education and skills training.
She observed that the government needs to do more in empowering and training the women by providing some incentives for the women to sustain themselves in the educational system.
The maiden one-day workshop, tagged “The Role of Women and Youth in Politics: Challenges and Remedies,” was held at the Katsina Local Government Service Commission.
