Former Nigerian State House of Assembly Member from Bauchi, Maryam Garba Bagel, recently emphasized the importance of having “shock observers” for women interested in politics.
She highlighted that there are certain aspects of political life that women may not initially be aware of, but which can have a significant impact on them.
In advocating for penalties for individuals who face abuse based on their gender, Maryam suggested that such measures could serve as a deterrent.
She also stressed the importance of directing criticism in politics towards issues like corruption or unlawful behavior, rather than focusing on gender, especially on the internet.
During her time as a commissioner and deputy national women leader within a major Nigerian opposition party (PDP), Maryam faced resistance from her family when she announced her intention to run for the House of Assembly.
Despite their concerns about potential abuse and political violence directed towards women, Maryam’s tenure in office led to significant improvements in the lives of ordinary citizens in her constituency.
Maryam highlighted the need for strong support networks for women to thrive in politics due to the prevalence of violence against women in the political sphere.
She also mentioned that despite challenges, she was able to implement intervention programs and community outreach initiatives that had a positive impact on her community.
Speaking at the Digital Right and Inclusion Forum (DRIF) 24 in Accra on the theme of “Fostering Rights and Inclusion in the Digital Age,” Maryam addressed the lack of adequate systems globally to facilitate active participation and leadership roles for women in politics.
She mentioned that as women, they are able to manage resources more prudently and achieve greater impact with limited resources.
The forum, organized by Paradigm Initiative (PIN) in collaboration with partner organizations, covered various topics under sub-themes such as Trust and Accountability, Data Protection, Privacy and Surveillance, and Digital Inclusion and Marginalized Groups.
The event provided a platform for discussions, launches, and networking opportunities to address critical areas in the evolving tech landscape.
