Realizing Women’s Dream In Politics

The discourse of having a female politician is unending issue and a big challenge not only in Africa as a continent but also in other parts of world. The lens at which women are view with totally differs from that of their male counterparts. If we argue that this is a murky field to venture into then why don’t we make it accommodating to achieve political equity? Is it only suitable for men and what parameters define it suitability to men and not women?
We all live in a political world and operate all we do in a political way either consciously or subconsciously; the only difference is we are not sensitive enough to realize the dynamism in politics. The passivity in any citizen does not hinder a reaction to a menace that has for decades oppressed women and youth placing them in the rock bottom of nation building. The indiscriminate positivity to the modes of operation is what matters to achieving comprehensive systems of operation leading to conscious and clear vision.
Politics as an act of governance is positively effected if it is inclusive in nature. If we want to discriminate on the young and the female then a gap surely exists in the expression of interest of the two that ultimately affects the whole system and therefore governance cannot be detached from citizen.
Though viewed differently in various societal settings, it is true that the gender roles must be promoted. But for how long must we continue supporting those with a negative impact? Achieving positive change requires a paradigm shift to a multi stakeholder approach to enhance a unanimous promotion of change from individuals in the household to a national level.
It is absurd when a woman cannot be supported but remains criticised and branded all negative titled. A lot is dug from her past and malicious scandals are unveiled to challenge her integrity. These are the people we call mothers, sisters, nieces, daughters-in-law yet we wouldn’t stop hurling derogative statements to them. Just to reaffirm that leadership must be based on merit and not sympathy.
Women have demonstrated change in the past and it is no doubt that they can still do and will do the same. Their gradual path to leadership can be easily traced from the household to national podiums of political arena.
Challenging societal beliefs and practices that still hinder women and the youth to come out from their cocoon and raise their voices is a matter of urgency if we are to achieve gender equity. It is time we reaffirm that positive power can be achieved only through gender equity because we all have power but how to use it is the big tussle.
I long for the time people will reminisce on the Road to Political Struggle women have achieved and applaud women for their achievements. It is out of choice that a woman becomes a politicians and a great leader but not out of privilege