A study by the Voice of Women Radio has highlighted key reasons why women in Nigeria often choose not to vote for female political aspirants.
The findings indicate that ignorance of female candidates, perceptions of inexperience, and cultural beliefs that men are better leaders are significant factors influencing voting decisions among Nigerian women.
The research, which covered the six geopolitical zones of Nigeria, revealed that only 31 percent of women, out of the 83 percent who possess permanent voters’ cards, voted for female candidates in the last election. Cultural barriers, lack of access to campaign funding for women, and a societal preference for male leadership roles were noted as additional challenges facing female candidates.
One of the report’s most critical findings was the inability of female elected officials to connect with or impact their female voters once in office. This disconnect was seen as a major reason why women at the grassroots level are hesitant to support female candidates. The study also highlighted that 45 percent of women in northern Nigeria are influenced by cultural norms, with many voting according to their spouses’ preferences or political strategies.
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In southern Nigeria, however, 47 percent of grassroots women vote for female candidates due to the low representation of women in governance, with others voting based on political experience or campaign strategies.
Senator Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan, speaking at the 8th edition of the Voice of Women (VOW) Conference and Awards in Abuja, addressed the challenges female politicians face in connecting with grassroots women. She urged female political aspirants to re-evaluate their approach to engaging with their female constituents. “It is all about relativity,” she said, stressing that addressing the specific needs of women in different demographics is key to earning their support.
The senator further called on female politicians to focus on the unique issues faced by women, such as pay disparities in civil service, harassment at work, and limited opportunities for promotion. “Female politicians must learn to speak to the issues of these women empathically, not with empty manifestoes, rather by relating with them to genuinely address their fears,” Akpoti-Uduaghan added.
Minister of Labour, Barrister Nkiriuka Onyejeocha, echoed these sentiments, emphasizing the need for women to push for solutions to their problems. Citing her 16-year political career, she attributed her success to addressing the needs of her constituents. Onyejeocha also called for more women in governance to fulfill the 35 percent affirmative action quota and bring about meaningful change for Nigerian women.
She encouraged Nigerian men to support women’s involvement in governance, noting that empowering women is vital for the country’s development.
