Ihedioha, Onyejeocha, Monalisa Chinda, Imoke, Others Grace Adaora Onyechere Sydney-Jack's Book Launch

...As they seek greater female inclusion in politics

Top dignitaries have joined in the public presentation and launching of the book ‘Polititics, X and Power' a critical literary work on the Nigerian politics written by an ace broadcast journalist, Adaora Onyechere Sydney-Jack. 

Presented recently in Abuja, the book according to the author is to underscore the shrinking opportunities for women participation in politics in Nigeria.

The book by Onyechere, a gender activist and Executive Director of Gender Strategy Advancement International (GSAI) has been described as bold, provocative and revealing. 

Among dignitaries who graced the occasion include former governor of Imo State, Emeka Ihedioha, Minister of State for Labour and Employment Hon. Nkiruka Onyejeocha, Nollywood star Monalisa Chinda, former governor of Cross River state, Liyel Imoke, National Women Leader the Peoples Democratic Party ( PDP ), Hon. Amina Divine Arong among others. 

According to the author, she ventured into politics with the view to bridge the gap between the leadership and the led but find herself in the murky water of politics.

She said, “Politics has different layers that opened my eyes to a lot of things. This emboldened my calls for women’s participation in politics because it constitutes an emergency.

“I realised that a lot of women were facing stereotypes and the negative gender identity. So I thought it wise to address femininity and to demystify the stereotypes that limit women’s potentials.”

Ex-Governor Ihedioha shared his experiences and unwavering commitment to merit-based leadership decisions.

“I never allowed gender to influence my decisions, especially when promoting a woman to a leadership position,” Ihedioha affirmed.

Reflecting on his tenure, he highlighted the strides made in advancing democracy and ensuring fair elections during a time of significant political challenges. 

Onyejeocha in her remarks challenged prevailing norms, shedding light on the lack of mutual support among women in politics.

“Most women do not support each other; if they did, no man would win an election because we outnumber them,” Onyejeocha emphasized.

She urged a collective shift in mindset to break free from the stereotypes that relegate women to subordinate roles in politics and society.

On her part, the book reviewer, Amina Salihu, noted that until men shift ground and make sacrifices by giving chance and space to women, fifty ( 50) percent of its population will not be able to meet their potentials, which is counter productive for the development of the country.

She said, “Nobody holds down fifty of their population which is women and you hope to make progress. The person held down, the person holding down, everybody will be performing at less of their optimum.”

In his address, the keynote speaker, the Director General of the National Institute for Legislative and Democratic Studies (NILDS), Abubakar Suleiman, noted that some of the challenge in achieving true gender parity in politics include patriarchy (cultural barriers), deep-rooted stereotypes and biases against women, financial constraints, among others.