By: Miracle Nwankwo Just like other parts of the world, Asia is not devoid of the dramas that have to do with the participation of women in political activities and governance. Although Asia has enjoyed a high record of women in positions of power both in the past and present, the clogged wheels of incompetence (or so we are made to believe) remains a recurring challenge considering the almost abrupt displacement of some of these seemingly powerful women. Dating back from 1960 when Sirimavo Bandaranaike became the first female head of government in Sri Lanka and Indira Gandhi, who was the first female prime minister of India, Asian women have left no stone unturned in the fight for political positions Despite this fact, it is discouraging to note that the early start of women participation in politics did not particularly change the narrative as Asia’s political scene is still very…

By: Ene Ikpebe ‘Diversity and inclusion,’ a phrase that has increased in popularity over the last few years. The governments of the west, are replete with committees on matters of diversity, and consultants are being hired to create a favorable image for politicians as regards their stance on inclusion. Unfortunately, it is yet to rise to the top of the priority list for the governments of developing nations. Interestingly, some of the most respected international organizations which developing countries interact with think that diversity and inclusion, specifically in terms of gender equality, should be of utmost concern. They believe it is a prerequisite for development. In a 2015 interview with Nafis Sadiq, the Special Adviser to the United Nations Secretary-General, she expressed her desire to see more women in leadership positions, to have more political participation from women in general, and to hear the voices of women who…

By: Eruke Ojuederie Following Theresa May’s victory at the polls on June 8, the controversies surrounding her Brexit move have sparked up a fresh debate. The British Prime Minister has taken steps towards assuring European Union citizens living in Britain, that their activities will not be disrupted when the move is completed. This has not been much of an assurance as EU citizens are yet to determine what the future holds for them. According to the exit plan, those who meet the five-year rule would be able to apply for the “settled” status. This is assumed to be more like a temporary citizenship which allows them to live and work in Britain. Since Theresa May moved for Britain’s exit from the European Union, skeptics have questioned her style of governance and in fact the role of women in the political scene. Despite recent moves by women across regions towards participating…

Eruke Ojuederie In the year 2016, there was a lot of optimism as to the sudden flock of women into the political scene across the globe especially with the very daring US Presidential elections. Although that election did not particularly go well for the women folk, hopes were heightened at the level of possibilities available to women in this day and time. This new drive brings a certain freshness from what was obtainable in the past but there are still lots of questions to be asked. With the inclusion of gender equality among the sustainable development goals (SDGs) by the United Nations (UN), governments of the world have been put on their toes in ensuring that women get a fair treatment as regards societal norms and beliefs, as well as get a sizeable fraction of the good things in their environment which include good jobs, leadership and political placements and…