By Fatima Musa Sambo
It is no longer news that Dr. Mrs. Mary Alile launched her ambitious Project 774-Explode in Benue last Saturday. This groundbreaking initiative aims to mentor the average Nigerian girl, equipping her with the necessary skills to thrive and succeed in Nigeria's ever-changing political landscape through a multifaceted approach of support and guidance.
This idea, once born, is now being nourished, watered, and seen to grow. Little did we know that this trailblazing gesture would leave a permanent imprint on our political landscape for decades to come. For the first time in the history of Nigerian politics—and perhaps anywhere in Africa—a remarkable 774 young women will be penciled for greatness, mentorship, and development in a male-dominated political arena. This initiative stands as a testament to the potential of women to transform the political landscape when given the right support and guidance.
Many times, the so-called feminist movement has made much noise about male dominance without doing anything to change the narrative. However, Dr. Alile's approach is different. Her project is a proactive measure to address gender disparity by empowering women through education and mentorship.
"Power is not served a la carte," as our Party's leader and commander in chief often says. This reality underscores the need for personal effort and interest in the political arena, where few things are personal but many hinge on one's dedication and persistence.
Dr. Mrs. Mary Alile, the APC National Women Leader, has achieved something more significant than any other woman in the history of Africa's political sphere. It is our responsibility as women to support and encourage this initiative to see it to fruition.
Examples abound of women supporting women in the political arena. In Rwanda, the Forum of Rwandan Women Parliamentarians (FRWP) has played a pivotal role in increasing women's representation in government, leading to Rwanda having the highest percentage of women parliamentarians in the world. In Nigeria, the Women in Politics Forum (WIPF) has been instrumental in advocating for more inclusive political participation and providing a platform for women to collaborate and support each other.
Dr. Alile's Project 774-Explode echoes these efforts, focusing on equipping young women with the tools they need to navigate and succeed in politics. By fostering a network of support, mentorship, and development, Dr. Alile is changing the narrative and uplifting the womenfolk, ensuring that the future of Nigerian politics is more inclusive and representative.
Moreover, the impact of women supporting women extends beyond politics into various spheres of life, including business and entrepreneurship. For instance, in the business world, organizations like She Leads Africa provide mentorship, funding, and resources to African women entrepreneurs, helping them scale their businesses and break into global markets. Similarly, the Women Entrepreneurs Finance Initiative (We-Fi) mobilizes billions of dollars to address financial and non-financial constraints faced by women entrepreneurs in developing countries.
In politics, women can help each other thrive by creating mentorship programs, similar to Project 774-Explode, where seasoned politicians guide and support aspiring female leaders. Networking groups and advocacy organizations can amplify women's voices and push for policies that promote gender equality. In business, women can form alliances, share resources, and provide mutual support to navigate the challenges of entrepreneurship.
Additionally, women in leadership positions can use their platforms to advocate for policies that benefit other women. They can push for gender quotas in political parties, support laws that ensure equal pay, and champion initiatives that provide women with access to education and healthcare. By doing so, they not only pave the way for more women to succeed but also create a more equitable society for all.
As Dr. Alile’s initiative gains momentum, it is crucial for women across Nigeria and beyond to rally behind it. By supporting Project 774-Explode, we can ensure that the next generation of women leaders is well-prepared, confident, and ready to take on the challenges of the political arena. Dr. Alile's vision is not just about mentoring 774 young women; it is about changing the narrative and creating a legacy of female empowerment and leadership that will inspire future generations.
In the words of Dr. Mrs. Mary Alile, "When women support each other, incredible things happen." Let us, therefore, unite to support this noble cause and uplift the womenfolk, ensuring that the future is bright, inclusive, and full of opportunities for all women.
Tags
Opinion