… Says low self-esteem pushing young women away from leadership

By Emmanuel Obisue

Former Minister of Aviation, Dr. Kema Chikwe, has affirmed that the February 25 and March 11 elections that held earlier this year, did not favour the female gender, in terms of winning elections into key government positions.

Dr. Chikwe who made this bold declaration on Thursday in Abuja at the 6th Anniversary of the Women Leadership Institute, WLI, and the 1st Anniversary of the Women Leadership Institute Network, WLIN, regretted that only two women made it through as Senators, while 13 others made it into the House of Representatives.

Speaking in her welcome address, a visibly disappointed Chikwe thus called on women to imbibe attitudinal change, pursue higher education, and bear the consciousness to seek leadership.

She regretted that low self-esteem is a factor pushing young women away from leadership, adding that the WLIN is out to change the negative narrative.

“The younger girls need orientation of leadership and self-esteem in order to successfully deal with the contemporary challenges that undermine the progress of women in our society,” she said.

Harping on the theme of the anniversary – ‘Lift Her, Lift All’, she reiterated that society must be reminded of the critical role of women in leadership. “Only two women emerged as Senators and 13 won elections into the Federal House of Representatives. The state houses of assembly did not fare better. The consequences are very grave and will eventually play out retrogressively on the current developmental indices,” she added.