Abike Dabiri-Erewa, Chairman/CEO of NiDCOM, advocates for enhanced political and economic support for Nigerian women. She highlights the decline in female representation in government and stresses the importance of political party support. Cultural biases and financial barriers hinder women’s political participation, while she discusses NiDCOM’s role in connecting diaspora contributions to national development. Moreover, she raises concerns about human trafficking and calls for the dignified treatment of migrants.
Abike Dabiri-Erewa, the Chairman/CEO of the Nigerians in Diaspora Commission (NiDCOM), has stressed the importance of enhanced political and economic support for Nigerian women. In a recent interview, she expressed her dismay at the significant decline in women’s representation in government, particularly in the National Assembly, where female lawmakers have decreased from 27 to only nine in the House of Representatives and four in the Senate.
Dabiri-Erewa noted that political parties must be proactive in supporting qualified women candidates, emphasizing the need for intentional measures to balance representation. She highlighted the growing financial and security barriers that deter women from participating in politics, asserting that political parties could initiate positive change by reserving specific seats for women.
Cultural biases also hinder women’s advancement in leadership roles. Dabiri-Erewa shared an anecdote illustrating outdated beliefs that discourage female candidates. She urged women to embrace confidence and competence, demonstrating that their leadership enhances governance while managing family responsibilities simultaneously.
In discussing NiDCOM’s efforts, she outlined key initiatives aimed at strengthening ties between Nigerians abroad and their home country, including Diaspora Day, the Diaspora Investment Summit, and a focus on major sectors like healthcare and agriculture. With diaspora remittances exceeding $90 billion, she aims to position the diaspora as a crucial investment partner.
Dabiri-Erewa also noted the troubling trend of Nigerian women being trafficked, specifically to countries like Iraq and Libya, where thousands are stranded in dire conditions. She called for stronger actions against traffickers to better protect citizens.
Moreover, she insisted that deported Nigerians should retain their dignity and respect, emphasizing that migration should not be criminalized. With hope for increased engagement of women in leadership and diaspora contributions to national growth, Dabiri-Erewa remains committed to advocating for systemic changes that empower women and safeguard the welfare of all Nigerians.
Abike Dabiri-Erewa’s advocacy for Nigerian women highlights the urgent need for political, economic, and social support to enhance representation and participation. Notably, she calls for political parties to play a crucial role in supporting women candidates and sheds light on cultural biases and financial barriers that obstruct progress. Additionally, her insights on the diaspora’s potential as an economic driver emphasize the necessity of comprehensive engagement for national development. Finally, her commitment to fighting against trafficking and ensuring respect for migrants underscores the need for protective measures for vulnerable populations.
Original Source: businessday.ng
