Times have changed and women are proving that they can do a ‘man’s job’ as well – if not better – than any male
More than a thousand young people – many of them women – in Borno State’s capital, Maiduguri, are undergoing training in the hope that they will make the shortlist and ultimately join the Nigeria Police Force.
Last year, the force opened a portal to recruit more women and men. A selection of hopefuls was made early in January and a training exercise began on Monday, January 8, and will end on Saturday 27, after which a screening process will take place and those who make it will become police officers.
The training is being carried out in batches and the applicants are between the ages of 18 and 29.
In the past, many women in Borno State were not even considered for policing jobs. Many men, particularly, believed that women would be unable to do a “man’s job” and that it went against cultural and traditional norms for women to join the police force or the paramilitary.
But a surprisingly large number of the applicants this year are women, many of whom believe they will make the grade and join the force.
Celestina Musa told RNI that she was happy she had been selected for the training.
“There are many graduates who are unemployed. I decided to take the opportunity after I completed secondary school.
“I thought about furthering my education and applying to study at a tertiary institution but I know of many graduates who cannot find a job, despite their qualifications. So, when I heard the news that the police force was actively recruiting people to join, I signed up immediately.
“I hope I make the shortlist and then pass the screening. I have always been passionate about joining the police force. If I get the job, I will be able to help my parents financially.
“What really motivated me and built that passion is that both my parents are police officers. I was never made to believe that the force was only meant for men. Seeing my mother doing the job was a great inspiration to me.
“There’s a saying that goes: Any job a man can do, a woman can do better. I believe this and I want to prove it when I become a police officer.”
Fanne Jibril said: “I applied for the job because I want to help the nation and my family.
“No one forced me to apply, it was my own free will. A lot of people believe policing is not a job for women, especially the paramilitary. But things are changing and more people realise that both men and women can do the job.
“In the past, many people – particularly here in Borno – believed that if a woman became a police officer or joined the paramilitary she was going against traditions and culture. Now people are more open about it and I have been encouraged to fight for my place in the force.
“I believe women and men can work together and make a better nation. The nation needs more of support and unity. Parents should encourage their children to consider joining the force and the paramilitary to help to fight insecurity throughout Nigeria.”
AYSHA MUSTAPHA KOLOMI
