In her groundbreaking book, “Politics, Puśsy and Power,” television presenter Adaora Sidney-Jack unveils the harsh realities faced by women in Nigerian politics. The title alone is a deliberate attempt to challenge societal norms and spark discussions about gender biases, sèxualization, and stereotypes hindering women’s progress in the political arena.
Sidney-Jack’s motivation behind the book stems from her personal experience running for political office in 2019. She encountered various forms of harassment, both emotional and non-physical, shedding light on the challenges women navigate within the political landscape.
“I thought this was very important, having walked across different gender lenses in the space of mainstreaming gender…the title of the book was a way of saying enough of the pretense and behind the door conversation and this is what it is.”
The book not only exposes the biases faced by women but also challenges the societal guilt associated with terms like “pussy.” Sidney-Jack emphasizes the importance of women owning and expressing their truths to reshape societal perceptions.
“Until we dare the odds, the normalization of how we are seen as women will continue to be the umbrella, and that is what the world wants us to see.”
Addressing the question of whether men are the problem in Nigeria, Sidney-Jack critiques the patriarchal nature of society and the failure of male-dominated institutions, such as the parliament, to pass gender bills that empower women.
“They denied the currency of young girls that have been sexually abused and their ability to have a voice… If men were to have political will, they would have passed the gender bill.”
Despite potential backlash due to the book’s title, Sidney-Jack stands firm, believing that it’s a necessary step to challenge societal norms and initiate conversations around destigmatizing words associated with women.
“The fear we have as women is the reason society has continued to win.”
The book aims to encourage younger voices to emerge, daring to speak their truths and reshape societal perceptions for a more equitable future.
Source: Interview with Kuni Tyessi
