As things are playing out so far, Nigerian women are not making gains in the political terrain. They have not made the cuts despite some party and institutional incentives. And, alarmingly, it seems they are losing some of the previous gains in both elective and appointive positions! Sad.
The recent party primaries have been disastrous for the gender crusade, and I wonder where this leads after the elections. Very painfully, the leading lights of the Golden Era of the Gender Agenda are aging, retiring, tired or retreating! Their otherwise vibrant successors seem to be berthing in political parties (especially the ruling PDP) for personal political careers or material rehabilitation!! Some simply used the crusade as launch-pads for self and family!!! Sad.
Most of the so-called women NGOs have withered and fizzled out, or have strayed into faddish realms like HIV/AIDS and The Environment in pursuit of cheap donor funding! Others have no clue on how to work in a democracy, or are too lazy to pursue our arrogant local bureaucracies. Many many atrophied from donor-fatigue or bad press. Pity.
Of course there is the charge (not without justification) that most of the women who have been the beneficiaries of Affirmative Action rarely truly represent their constituencies! A lot of noise is made in the urban areas, in the elitist media, and within the same circles, to the detriment of the masses - especially the rural women. Most so-called women leaders have no viable or visible followership - they command no gender force, and can deliver no electoral assets or votes! Pity.
Because I am involved (as a gender crusader and consultant), it hurts to see all our past efforts (especially Post-Beijing) go down this way. I was speaking recently with some of the Elders of the Crusade who shared their pains on the subject: it hurts all round. Oh, it hurts.
Way Out? Yes. After the 2007 General Elections!
Any Hints? Yes. Projectisation of the Gender Agenda. Enough of Charlatanism & Tokenism!
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