Women vying for political and decision-making positions have been advised to seek their husbands' or partners' consent for maximum support. 

Husbands' and partners' consent is very critical for every woman to succeed in any political or leadership role they aspire to pursue and must not be shot down under any circumstance” 

Zuwera Mohammed Ibrahim, the Salaga-South MP who made this assertion noted that the backing of a husband or partner was imperative, especially in a male-dominated society. 

“In a male-dominated society like ours where women are trying to break barriers, it’s easier working with the men than making it look as if in competition with them.” 

Referring to herself as an example she said once the partners consented, they became a strong Pillar of support and rallied behind as a force to demystify many stereotypes associated with women pursuing leadership positions.  

“In 2018 when I had the urge to contest for the seat, I was nursing a toddler but for my husband’s support to take care of the home while I am away it would have been difficult to navigate the terrain” 

She mentioned that apart from his husband and father Professor Ibrahima, Dr Sule Gariba and Hon Haruna Iddrisu, the frontline of her campaign activities had been men  

“When the men give you their consent and support, they in turn rally their wives, mothers, sisters and daughters to follow you and buy into your vision and for me, I have experienced this reality” she said. 

The MP was of the firm conviction that women demanding leadership positions or aspiring to be at par with men was a matter of equity and not equality so must be conscious of the natural structures and work to harness it for their benefit. 

While lauding the Passage of the Affirmative Action bill she quickly added that it was not to give women positions or roles on a silver platter, but it called for hard work and building of capacities to reach there.