Garga foundation and the changing narrative of Gender Disparity in Adamawa State
By Rukayya Aminu Muhammad
Similar to many States in Northern Nigeria, Adamawa State is facing significant gender disparities that limit the progress and potential of women and girls across various sectors. Despite continuous advocacy efforts by women leaders and non-governmental organizations (NGOs) for reforms, challenges persist in gender disparities, health inequalities, economic disempowerment, limited access to education and gender-based violence and harassments.
These issues not only affect women but also severely impede the overall development of the state.
Related news
Bandits storm Katsina hospital, shot security man, abduct women
GBV response: AONN trains youth, women in Bauchi
ACWP takes advocacy to Adamawa assembly, seeks more political spaces for women
In the political sphere, representation is severely skewed. Honorable Kate Mamuno Raymond, the Majority Leader of the Adamawa State House of Assembly, is the only female legislator among 25 members. While her role as a majority leader is commendable, the lack of gender balance in the Adamawa State House of Assembly indicates that women’s issues are often overlooked and overshadowed by the voices of the majority of men.
Despite Hon. Kate’s efforts to advocate for increased female representation in political offices, her voice is often silenced by deeply ingrained patriarchal norms and societal expectations that discourage women from assuming leadership roles. This trend must be reversed for the state to progress.
There is a growing movement led by women leaders to promote greater women’s political participation, which has garnered support from the Governor of Adamawa State, His Excellency Ahmadu Umaru Fintiri. The Governor recently expressed his support for women in the Local Government Area (LGA) elections, resulting in the emergence of female Vice Chairs of all the 21 LGAs in the State. This achievement is truly commendable and sets a positive example for the other states, particularly in Northern Nigeria.
To sustain these gains, it is imperative for development partners and NGOs to support these women and assist in building their capacity to participate actively in politics.
The Garga Foundation with funding from the International Foundation for Electoral Systems (IFES) is dedicated to empowering marginalized groups, particularly women, in Adamawa State. Through a series of training and coaching sessions, mentorship, workshops, and advocacy activities, the organization is working to create a more inclusive democratic environment within the state.
The project has successfully trained numerous women in civic education and electoral processes, equipping them with the necessary skills and knowledge to participate effectively in democratic processes. By conducting workshops, press briefings, coaching sessions, and mentorship programs focused on democratic governance, the initiative has played a significant role in fostering a more inclusive democratic landscape in Adamawa State.
A notable achievement of the project is the establishment of the Adamawa State Concerned Women in Politics (ACWP), a non-partisan, non-political, non-profit platform led by Hajiya Zainab Abubakar. The group has undertaken advocacy visits, including a meeting with Honorable Kate Mamuno Raymond, who has been appointed as their patron. Through various public awareness initiatives, the platform is actively promoting women’s political participation while advocating for electoral integrity and transparency, thereby ensuring that women can fully exercise their political rights throughout the state.
In Adamawa State, a glimmer of hope shines bright, but for the state to reach its full potential, addressing gender disparities must be more than an afterthought – it must be a top priority. The future of the state, and indeed the nation, depends on recognizing that empowering women is not only a moral imperative, but a strategic necessity.
Developing and implementing policies that prioritize gender mainstreaming and actively promote women’s participation in political processes are crucial steps towards achieving sustainable development. Leaders in Adamawa must act swiftly, breaking down the barriers that have long hindered women from taking their rightful place at the decision-making table.
Although progress towards gender equality has been slow and challenging, the increasing awareness of these inequalities – and the dedicated efforts of trailblazers like Hon. Kate Mamuno Raymond – demonstrate that change is not only possible, but inevitable. However, true gender equality requires more than isolated acts of leadership; it requires a collective awakening, driven by both progressive policies and grassroots movements. Only when we create an Adamawa where women and men can stand side by side in leadership and governance will we have built a society that truly flourishes. The question is not whether women should lead, but whether we, as a society, are prepared to support their rightful role in shaping the future. Let us unite in our support for women in politics!
Muhammad writes from Yola, Adamawa State, Nigeria.
