Mrs Patricia Etteh---Former Speaker of the House Of Rep and Marginalisation of Women in Politics

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Born into a noble family of Yoruba lineage, Barr. Patricia Olubunmi Etteh was born on 17 August 1953. She trained to become a seasoned beauty therapist and later earned a Diploma in Law from the University of Abuja.She later got a Bachelor Degree in Law from Buckingham University in the UK and was called to Bar in Nigerian Law School ,Abuja

Her life in Politics:
Elected to be a member, House of representatives on the platform of the Alliance for Democracy (AD), representing Ayedaade/Isokan/Irewole Federal constituency of Osun State,from1999-2003. She became the Minority Whip for Alliance for Democracy from 1999 to 2003.
RT. Hon. Etteh attended Leadership course with GILD in Palm Desert, Califonia ,US in 2002.
She also attended a course on Political Leadership and Economic Policy in the prestigious Harvard University in 2006 .
Hon. Etteh was the 1st female Principal Officer of the National Assembly of the Federal Republic of Nigeria.
Honourable Etteh became the
Leader of the South West Caucus of the House of Representatives between 2004 to 2007 . The position she held before she became the Speaker of the House of Representatives of Nigeria unanimously. Hon. Patricia Etteh became the First and only female ever to assume the high office in the History of Nigeria's democracy up to date.
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Until She was however invoved in the anti -feminine nature of Nigeria politics.

Women needs to be given fair chance in Politics.Removing women from the Parliament has become a global problem which needs proper attention and should be propely addressed if genuinely people believe in the women capacity as co-partners in governance.In the case of Hon.Etteh for instance (former Speaker) . How many Nigerians really know what transpired during the period that no penny was missing and that due process was dully followed. Some Nigerians even belief it was her personal house she wanted to renovate with government money .This is to say that Nigerians are quick to pass judgement without proper and through investigation on issues.The House of Representative eventually exonerated her from all the allegations filed against her that all the accusations were mere Politics. The issue is that ---how do you play Politics with somebody life,aspirations and dreams ?. Women are supposed be seen as being supportive and co-patners in governance. She was scandalised in a hire-wire political game which was not necessary for this nation of ours and for women in particular.
The call for more women to participate in politics need more commitment than mere political rhetoric. Women's role in World politics must go beyond being voters or 'mere dancers" at political events. Women in Politics are better placed to fight vices like gender-based violence, child slavery,sexual assault and defilement, early marriages, abortions and unfair distribution of power.

There should be an entire change of mindset. There should be equality in roles given to women in politics .Sudan and Zambia are leading the way in equal chance to women in politics. Ministry of women Affairs should be empowered to study how successful country did it and emulate them and not just mere say. The government should stop paying lip service about women issues..
According to Nancy Pelosi-----House Minority Leader in the House Of Common in United State and I quote -----
“There’s nothing more wholesome for America and the World than increased participation and leadership of women in government and politics,”

She advise younger women to participate more in Politics.According to her --"

women should not allow anybody to minimize what you have done, or limit your level of experience” she said. “That authenticity is the most important thing — that’s what people respond to, . Have confidence in what you care about, what you know, how you plan to proceed. Know your power,and believe in your dreams !!
Hon. Patricia Etteh has the same experience with the likes Of Nancy Pelosi and Experience is the best teacher.