Why women shouldn’t be discouraged if their success is linked to men – Shirley Igwe opens up on politics

Nollywood actress Shirley Igwe has opened up on how women’s success are many a-times linked to men. She also spoke on her plans to join her colleagues who are currently actively involved in the Nigerian politics.

Recall that some Nigerians criticized popular actresses, Funke Akindele and Tonto Dikeh, for venturing into politics despite having failed marriages.

Akindele is the deputy governor candidate of the Peoples Democratic Party in Lagos State, while Dikeh is the African Democratic Party’s deputy governor candidate in Rivers State.

Responding to a question on if she has plans to run for any political office now or in the future, she told Punch:

“Sure, why not? If my husband allows me (I will run for political office). We both have to come to a mutual understanding on the matter.”

Igwe also advised women not to feel discouraged if their wealth is linked to men. She said:

“It is not only actresses whose hard-work and successes are linked to men; it happens in practically every field. That is what the world does. However, that should not discourage women who genuinely work hard.”

Shirley Igwe, further more knocked people who say that a woman who had a failed marriage cannot be a good leader. She said:

“It is a delicate issue that I really do not want to meddle in. I really do not have what to say to men and women who belittle other human beings.”

“However, those who believe in the saying that, ‘If one can make a home, one can make a nation’, should bear in mind that a home is not a nation. They are two different spaces. A nation is governed by play of politics, whereas in the home front, politics can never win. One needs more than politics to keep a home.”

Asked if she feels women are ready to play crucial roles in politics, she said:

“I don’t think women have ever played a second fiddle. On the contrary, women have the power, and when they know how to use it, it will help them a great deal.”