By Bashir Hassan Abubakar | Oct. 18, 2025
The Bauchi State Commissioner for Humanitarian Affairs and Disaster Management, Hajara Yakubu Wanka, has urged women across Northern Nigeria to overcome fear and societal stereotypes hindering their participation in politics and governance.
Wanka made the call while speaking as a guest at a virtual meeting organised by the Network of Women for Sustainable Development (NEWSd), a women-led civil society organisation championing gender equity and inclusive leadership in Nigeria.
Sharing insights from the engagement on her verified Facebook page, the commissioner lamented that despite women’s capabilities and contributions, they still face deep-rooted cultural and religious barriers that continue to restrict their leadership opportunities.
“In Northern Nigeria, women in politics continue to face barriers rooted in cultural and religious perceptions. Many still believe that leadership is reserved for men, and this misconception limits women’s participation in decision-making processes,” she said.
She stressed that true empowerment begins when women use their voices, skills, and platforms to drive social change, noting that leadership should be anchored on service, accountability, and sustainability rather than the mere pursuit of power.
According to her, breaking the cycle of exclusion requires deliberate mentoring of young girls to build their confidence and political awareness.
“We must actively mentor and encourage our younger girls to join politics and governance, showing them that their voices matter and that they have a rightful place in leadership,” she added.
Wanka commended NEWSd for its continued role in promoting women’s participation in leadership, describing its flagship initiative, The Potential Sand, as a vital platform connecting women across Bauchi’s 20 local government areas and the North Central region.
She further urged women to rise above fear, silence, and societal expectations, insisting that collective effort remains crucial to achieving gender equality and meaningful representation.
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“We must rise above the stigmas and limitations society places upon us and learn to encourage and uplift one another. Through unity, mentorship, and determination, we can build a generation of women who are not only participants but changemakers—women who think beyond boundaries and lead with purpose for a sustainable and inclusive future,” she said.
The virtual engagement brought together women advocates, policymakers, and civil society leaders who discussed strategies to deepen gender inclusion and enhance women’s participation in governance at all levels.
