Rural women from the Federal Capital Territory expressed have expressed frustration over their perceived neglect, even total abandonment, by their elected representatives in the FCT.
Speaking at the 8th Voice of Women Conference and Awards in Abuja, a national dialogue of grassroots and urban women with the theme: Achievihg women’s inclusion for a sustainable Nigeria, the grassroots woman leader in one of the communities in FCT, criticized lawmakers for neglecting their constituents post-election, stating, “After we voted them in, there has not been any avenue for communication or appreciation.”
She recalled the efforts made two years ago to advocate for women’s representation in the National Assembly and lamented, “Since last year’s elections, there have been no town hall meetings or thank-you visits to the local women who supported them.”
The rural women leader emphasised that many rural women feel abandoned, saying, “Those women we mobilized are now looking at us as if we have failed them. They see us as having received money and gifts while they remain neglected.”
She, therefore, urged elected officials to return to their communities and acknowledge the support they received during campaigns.
When asked what “thank you” means to rural women, a community leader emphasised, “To me, thank you means you voted me into power, you invite us, and say thank you. If there’s anything, I will remember you.”
She highlighted the lack of empowerment initiatives in the Abuja Municipal Area Council (AMAC), stating, “Currently, there are no programmes to train our children or help us acquire skills that can support our families.”
She said the absence of follow-up from elected representatives has left many rural women feeling neglected after their crucial role in mobilizing votes during elections.
The leader called for greater accountability and connection between politicians and their constituents to foster trust and support for women’s empowerment in the region.
“Thank you to me means, you voted me into power, you invite us and say thank you and then if there’s anything I will remember you. Like in AMAC FCT now I know there are some empowerment skills going on, those people are supposed to bring some forms to those women, if it is empowerment to train their children or train those women to acquire skills that will help their families, there’s nothing like that in FCT as I am talking now.”
However, Senator Ireti Kingibe defended her record, saying she has empowered over 10,000 individuals and initiated healthcare projects.
But, she acknowledged the challenge of being a female legislator, saying “being a woman in the National Assembly is very hard”, urging women to understand that voting for female candidates is aimed at improving collective lives, not individual engagements.
“For the record, I am the only woman elected in the FCT,” Kingibe stated, emphasising the misconceptions surrounding governance. “To me, governance means bringing the most to the people.”
Kingibe, who has served as a senator for a year and a half, highlighted her legislative efforts, including bills for a nursing and midwifery school and maternal healthcare initiatives.
“I have empowered 10,000 people,” but acknowledged the limitations of her role in reaching all constituents in a population of 4 to 5 million.
She elaborated on her ongoing projects, such as constructing a 50-bed hospital and establishing ICT centers in Gwagwalada and Nyanya.
“I paid with my personal money for 2,000 JAMB forms (collected free of charge by candidates),” she added.
Kingibe also expressed her frustrations about the difficulties women face in politics.
“Being a woman in the National Assembly is very hard,” she remarked, explaining that she must lobby extensively to secure funding for projects. “When I leave here, I will go to the National Assembly and lobby different ministers to include essential services in their budgets.”
While acknowledging that some women feel neglected because she cannot meet them individually, she urged them to understand that their votes are meant to improve their collective lives. “You are voting for other women so that our general lives will improve, not because she is going to come and meet you personally,” Kingibe concluded.
