Female politicians not prostitutes, loose – Labour Party Women Leader

The National Women Leader of the Labour Party, LP, Mrs Dudu Manuga, has cautioned Nigerians against labelling female politicians as prostitutes and promiscuous.

Manuga who confirmed that violence against women have become prevalent, also described as alarming the level of cyber stalking and intimidation some women face in Nigeria.

She spoke during the commemoration of the 2024 International Day for the Elimination of Violence Against Women and Girls in Abuja.

The LP chieftain charged women who are involved in politics not to be intimidated by the emotional and psychological violence perpetrated against them by their male counterparts just to frustrate them out of political engagement.

She said, “Today, we are commemorating the International Day for the Elimination of Violence against Women and Girls.

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“Secondly, it is the beginning of what we call the Orange Campaign, which is the 16 days activities against gender-based violence.

“Violence against women is something that is so prevalent these days. It is not just down to the issue of rape and sexual assault. There is the problem of harassment, intimidation and all kind of things that also happen in office environment too.

“Again, violence is what women in politics, like us experience at different levels. It is so bad that sometimes when you attempt to buy forms in your constituency, it is not unusual to hear things like ‘Don’t go there.

“It is a position for a man.’ That alone is emotional and psychological violence because it puts you in a state of mind where you become perpetually worried.

“Some of our women also face cyber stalking and intimidation from those who should know better in the cyber space. There are certain people who still regard women in politics as prostitutes. It has become a common narrative in this country.

“Some perceived female politicians as loose and promiscuous women. But it is not true. There are times we are even attacked directly in political arena during heated debates and they then end it with ‘Who are you? You people are just prostitutes.”