I think some smaller African countries are small in quotes because we keep claiming we are the giant of Africa yet marginalization is very high here.… - Chinyere Stella Okunna

As long as I can remember, women’s participation in politics and visibility in leadership positions have been major problems in many countries and not just in Nigeria. The entire world knows that women have not done well in politics in Nigeria. I’m sure you know there is supposed to be a gender policy in Nigeria which came to effect in 2006; affirmative action of 35%. The only time any leader approached that policy was the time of Jonathan’s regime and since then nobody is even trying and each time I think about women in politics and leadership, I like to give example from my own State, Anambra State. Anambra women are well educated, they are empowered. They are confident and knowledgeable about local and international affairs. Yet the number of women in politics in Anambra is laughable, so to say

Some countries allow the press to have that freedom unfettered. But in some places, there are impediments on the path of the media. Basically, the media often performs as well the political structure allows them to perform. We all know that in this part of the world, press freedom, freedom of speech and other watchdog functions don’t aways apply. Most government-media are practically lapdogs for the authorities.

as long as elective positions are concerned, not many women were elected. The culture and religion have so intimidated women it takes a lot of courage for them to go into Nigerian politics. Nigerian politics is discouraging, so to say. But for those who run, there is also discrimination from fellow women. There is a combination of factors why women shy away from politics. Cultural, religious, financial, and women themselves are part of it