Have you ever attended an election-related rally? If so, you will fully comprehend this article. The “lifewire” of every political gathering is a woman.
They freely socialize with politicians and wear shirts and caps. They cheerfully dance and chant accolades to politicians while singing songs that support their political party and goals.
This writer visited more than 20 polling places during the most recent Osun governorship election, and they were mostly filled with elderly men and women.
Women from all political parties might be spotted soliciting votes for their respective parties in secret. I saw women’s reactions to the INEC returning officer’s pronouncement of the results of the vote counting, which ranged from worry to delight or grief. Both utter delight and utter anarchy prevailed.
Women were also in charge of providing welfare services, such as giving out water bottles and little snacks to eligible voters so they wouldn’t have to wait too long to cast their ballots.
Women put so much effort into making events at state or party gatherings vibrant, joyful, engaging, and beautiful.
Without shame or contempt, women support and encourage candidates for political office by donning bespoke clothing and hats.
Yes, women are fiercely committed to the causes they support. They greatly contribute, whether they are humble or elegant.
However, women only put in additional hours while receiving little to no compensation for their efforts. When this reporter looked into the leadership structures of political parties, she found that majority of them give women the roles of assistant secretary and women leader.
This reporter went on to confirm that they receive little or no nominations for higher positions within committees.
Women are also appointed at a lower rate when a cabinet is formed after an electoral victory. They typically receive two positions: one in women’s or domestic affairs and one in disabilities.
According to research by WITHIN NIGERIA, women also receive less in the way of contracts or advantages that can result from the government they helped to establish. Only low-paying occupations or programs/events where they would get stipends are accessible to women.
The reporter got in touch with a few women who are steadfast party supporters and have made contributions to the success of their organizations. Within Nigeria, they discussed their struggles and victories. Despite all odds, they remain optimistic and adamant.
Deborah says, “I was duped into being involved in politics.”
A 32-year-old lady who went by the name Debby said to our reporter that she entered politics in order to get a job.
Debby, who is currently looking for work, claimed that her big sister introduced her to politics by encouraging her to join a particular political party in exchange for a job offer.
“I was so committed and in need of a job that I was so desperate.” To demonstrate my commitment and worth, I would take part in rallies and door-to-door campaigning. I only have a limited number of opportunities, such as conditional cash transfers for N20,000, among others, but I truly need a job,” she told the reporter.
Although she appears to benefit little from her activity, Tiwalade has no plans to stop engaging in politics.
Nothing can keep a lady in her forties from politics because she is in love with it, she told WITHIN NIGERIA.
My husband is perfectly aware of the fact that I have no remorse about my political inclinations. I haven’t really gotten anything of great value, but I do think that everything will work out in the end, she remarked.
“Most women enter politics out of a passion for the party and the candidates. We put so much effort into our rallies, yet until the next election, nobody remembers us. I once pushed for a councilorship position in my ward, but I was turned down because the party’s elders prefer a man, she continued.
Iwaraja native Titilope Ayoola compared politics to football, comparing political parties to teams, politicians to players, and supporters to contributions.
“I believe that people, particularly women, have a natural affinity for politics, just as males have a love for football.” The presence of women in every political position is due to this. Women continue to be the largest participants in politics and the voting process, she noted, despite the minimal returns or gains.
According to Titilope, if men could continue to support their football teams after defeats, then women would always get involved in politics even if they had nothing to gain.
No one prays to work and receive little to nothing, according to Adesewa Akintoye, thus she wants women to earn more and better.
Adesewa said to this reporter that politicians and political parties should pay more attention to women’s emancipation through political positions and contracts while outlining the pains and challenges women face during electioneering.
Women make up 70% of every rally, according to Adesewa, the leader of a political organization in Erin-Oke, because they are strong-willed and determined.
They shouldn’t take advantage of us because we are weak. We can carry out large projects and we deserve huge political positions. She continued, “We must be properly enabled to accomplish more for the party and the society.”
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