We need support of men to succeed in politics –Hon. Tanimu, first female majority leader in North-West

From Sola Ojo, AbujaThe only female representative in the Kaduna State House of Assembly, and indeed in the entire North-West region of Nigeria, Hon Munira Suleiman Tanimu, sheds light on the challenges and triumphs of navigating a male-dominated political landscape. She spoke about the underrepresentation of women in elective positions, her relentless journey to office, and her unwavering commitment to girls’ education among other issues. googletag.

cmd.push(function() { googletag.display('div-gpt-ad-1718806029429-0'); }); How do you feel about the number of women in elective positions in Northern Nigeria, especially in Kaduna State?It is very unfortunate that women are still underrated despite the impacts a lot of them who have served and still serving are making in public space.



This trend has been going on for some time, and I know there are a lot of discussions around this subject matter, though we are not there yet. Look at me, for example; I am the only female representative in the Kaduna State House of Assembly and the entire North-West Nigeria. If there were more voices of women in the House, bills that would support women and children would have been flying left, right and centre.

But because I am the only female, it will take time and the grace of God for any bill that tilts towards women to scale through. That does not mean I will not put in my best in that regard. So, what is the terrain like now that you found yourself in a male-dominated political landscape? $(document).

ready(function(){(adsbygoogle = window.adsbygoogle || []).push({})}); It has not been easy.

It is challenging, I must say. I contested three times before I got elected and that was because I was determined and focused. So if women would take my experience as an inspiration, then they will get there someday.

Trying it once and back off is not enough. Consistency and determination are key.If you are to spend a good part of your life as a lawmaker, what will you be known for?Honestly, my focus and intention is girls’ education because if I was not educated, I will not be granting you this interview.

Education is a huge key to success because it will give you confidence to stand anywhere you find yourself. Education will help you to manage your home and family better. Education will help you to make a positive impact in your community.

Education will make you relevant and well-valued. In summary, Education is everything.Now that you have been elected after three attempts, what factors have you seen to be affecting women in politics, especially in this part of the world?Well, a lot of women are even afraid to come out to contest for a political office knowing full well it is a male-dominated environment.

Again, when you are not well tutored and empowered, there is no way you will come out and withstand the pressure. For example and possibly most importantly, let’s talk about financial strength and stability. You need to be financially stable to contest an election in Nigeria.

I mean any election at all. You cannot just wake up one day and say you want to join politics just like that. I know there are situations whereby it is the community that will raise money to sponsor a trusted person’s political journey, but that is not too common.

I’m also aware of some politicians who became elected under the influence of other politicians. That, again, is not always easy to come by. So, you must prepare yourself physically, mentally, spiritually and financially.

Recently, you held a training for elected female politicians in your capacity as the first female majority leader in the North-West, what was your intention? $(document).ready(function(){(adsbygoogle = window.adsbygoogle || []).

push({})}); I am happy because that was the first time such would happen in the Kaduna State House of Assembly. I felt that with me around and with the support of the leadership of Governor Uba Sani and of course, the leadership of the House, I felt that when we the leaders are united irrespective of the political party we have been elected, we can do more to encourage other women to join us because we cannot do it all alone. There were a lot of women in political offices before us.

Where are they today? Every tenure, we do have different women from different political fields and afterwards, not much is heard about them. So, it is very important to come together like this to discuss our challenges and see where we go from here. We want to see how we can make lasting impacts rather than just dancing and snapping pictures which is why I am changing that narrative.

This is why I am here. This has been my dream. I promised other young women who I have empowered that when I get there, my voice will be heard.

I am also happy that our dear governor has given me the support I have always needed. So, if I had been intimidated by the men, I would not have been unanimously elected as their majority leader. I also enjoy the unwavering support of my colleagues, and without that, I don’t think I can be where I am today.

Talking about support, what is your message to some men who are not supporting their wives’ or daughters’ political ambition?First, I want to appreciate my dear husband who coincidentally is also a lawmaker in the Green Chamber of the National Assembly. He’s a very supportive husband. I remember that the first two times I contested were not easy.

Maybe because I was not married then. So I told him my intention and my passion. I begged him to support me because I have a lot on my mind.

I have a lot in my system that I need to share with my constituency and the World. Men, please know that we are not against you. Know that we love you and without you, we would not be where we are today.

Without my husband, Rt Hon Abubakar Hassan, Governor Uba Sani and Mr Speaker, Rt Hon Yusuf Dahir Liman, I wouldn’t be here today. So you see, men are the support pillars. When we get to all these higher public offices, we are not going to disrespect you.

We are here to help you with one or two things that you may forget to do.Do you see yourself aiming for a higher position like governorship?Governor? That will be quite challenging though I am not rushing. I’m growing in age and experience based on what the Almighty Allah has in stock for me.

So for me, it is one step at a time. $(document).ready(function(){(adsbygoogle = window.

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