Kate Anolue from Nanka in Orumba South Local Government Area of Anambra State is the Mayor of Enfield Borough in the United Kingdom. A widow and mother of four, the midwife turned lawyer, during her visit to Nigeria, spoke with Yejide Gbenga-Ogundare of the Nigerian Tribune on politics, her challenges and marriage.
Read the excerpts of her interview below
From your observation, do you think we have enough participation of women in Nigerian politics?
I am disappointed at the level of women’s participation in Nigerian politics. Nigerian women have a lot to contribute to the development of the nation, but unfortunately, their presence is not felt. It’s sad at the way they allow their potentials to waste away.
What in your view is responsible for this?
Politics in Nigeria favours men. It’s quite different from what holds in the United Kingdom. There, politics is hinged on merit. Here in Nigeria, there is no equality between the male and female. I believe everyone should be given an equal footing. We went to the same school and do possess the same certificates. Nigerian women need to speak out and put in their best to make a change. They shouldn’t allow themselves to be pulled down.
What advice would you give to Nigerian women interested in politics?
I will advise them to go for it and put in their best. Women are the wealth of the economy. I will also add that the thought of making fast money should be far from them. I believe people move on in the UK because they do a lot of voluntary works for the society which do not involve money.
Survival in the UK is believed to be difficult. How did you combine your responsibilities as a mother and duties as a midwife?
I joined my husband in England at a young age in 1971. I trained as a nurse since this had always been my dad’s desire and became qualified after three years. I also had another 18 months training as a midwife. By 1977, I had already acquired two certificates while I also had two children. I was able to stay on my job as a full time worker with my husband’s support. By 1984, my children were four while I had also risen in my profession to the post of a team leader. Unfortunately in 1985, October precisely, I lost my husband and things took a downturn. The future became bleak. I was left with four kids to cater for. The eldest was 13 years and the others were five and nine years old respectively. The youngest was 18 months old. Fortunately for me, I had around me friends who were supportive. I saw my husband’s death and the responsibility of raising my children as a cross I had to bear. I therefore rose to the challenge. Most of my managers were likewise supportive. They all did their best to encourage me by giving me work schedules that were flexible. With this, I was able to give my children the necessary attention.
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