– Says divorce among women politicians on the increase
By Cyril Mbah, Abuja
National Council for Women Societies [NCWS], has frowned against what it described as an unwholesome practice by political Parties of convening important political meetings of members late at night.
The society maintains that the age-long practice has torn several marriages apart in Nigeria, therefore making a strong case for the review of the practice, arguing that the timing of such meetings placed women politicians who are married at great disadvantage.
The group said that marriages are being terminated as a result of the ugly development.
President of the National Council for Women Societies [NCWS], Dr. Gloria Shoda, stated this at a workshop held in Abuja, noting that, “many marriages have broken up as a result of women becoming actively involved in politics.”
Dr. Gloria Shoda made these remarks through the President, South-East Professional Women Association of Nigeria and Diaspora, Dr. Nwanganga Ibeh, during a workshop with the theme: ‘Strengthening participation of women in Nigeria’s political process.’
The NCWS president called on political Parties to look into the problem which, she stated, places women at a great disadvantage in their desire to become more active in politics and contribute their quota to the development of the nation.
Shoda stressed the need for political meetings to be held in the daytime to enable married female politicians to effectively participate in politics.
According to the NCWS President, “In our culture, we know that women are not supposed to stay out late or come home very late. Most marriages have packed-up when women become very actively involved in politics.
“We know that when they do not turn up for these night meetings, where important decisions are taken, they are just left off. So, as we prepare for the 2023 elections, I want to advocate that for women in politics to be effectively active in policy-making and political party activities, political meetings should be held when it is reasonable for married women to attend.”
Another speaker at the event, Brigadier General Chukwuemeka Udaya, who is the Acting Director-General of NIPSS, regretted that notwithstanding the existence of a gender policy in Nigeria, participation of women in the political process at various levels was still very low.