5 women from Northern Nigeria who are making waves politically 

Nigerian politics, as we know it, is dominated by men. Culturally, women are discouraged to seek political roles and admonished to stay at home. However, the situation is worse in Northern Nigeria. A survey done by Statistica showed that there were 97 men and only nine women between 2016 and 2019 in the National Assembly. Recently, more and more women have ventured into politics, breaking the stereotype. Here are five women from Northern Nigeria who are defying the odds.

1. Munira Suleiman Tanimu

Munira, also known as Zinariyar Samunaka, is a politician and philanthropist. The 36 year old hails from Samunaka, Kaduna state. She has ran for the office of Member, Kaduna State House of Assembly. She is currently seeking election in the same seat. Her philanthropic activities include establishing an NGO called Green Heart Impact Foundation. It is an organization that focuses on girl-child education and women empowerment.

2. Amina J. Mohammed

Amina J. Mohammed is the fifth Deputy Secretary-General of the United Nations. She is a Nigerian-British politician. She was previously Nigerian Minister of Environment. In the past, she coordinated the task force on Gender and Education for the UN Millennium Project. The 61 year old was inducted in the Nigerian Women’s Hall of Fame in 2007.

Read also: Does Feminism Have a Place in Nigeria?

3. Zainab Ahmed

Zainab Shamsuna Ahmed is Nigeria’s Minister of Finance, Budget and National Planning. She has been in office since 2019. During her appointment President Buhari brought the two ministries under her as one, making her Minister of Economy. She was formerly a Member of the Board of Governors in the World Bank.

4. Hadiza Balarabe

Hadiza Sabuwa Balarabe is Kaduna State Deputy Governor. She is the first female deputy governor from the state. She is a medical doctor by profession. The future is already bright for Hadiza as it seems she may be on the path to becoming the first female governor of Kaduna state.

5. Aisha Binani

Aisha Dahiru Binani is a senator representing Adamawa Central. She is currently the only female APC governorship candidate. She won the primaries by a landslide victory, defeating Nuhu Ribadu. If she succeeds, Adamawa state would have successfully elected the first female governor to ever come out of Northern Nigeria.