Female politician with disability counts gains after losing election

Female politician with disability counts gains after losing election

Lois Auta, a female politician with disability, has said that contesting in the last National Assembly elections had brought many opportunities her way.

Auta contested for a seat in the House of Representatives for Abuja Municipal Area Council/Bwari Federal Constituency under the Accord Party.

Speaking in Lagos, Auta said even though she lost the election, she did not lose the process.

“I’ve gotten many opportunities as a result of being a politician, including representing YouTube in the African region on political matters concerning the development of youths, women and people with disabilities.

“I’ve had my story shared in a documentary done by women in the system which was shown in New York on International Women’s Day,” she said.

Out of the 4,680 people that ran for the House of Representatives, there were 569 women, but she was the only woman with disability.

The 38-year-old Auta said aside the international recognition, she has been getting invitations to speak and share her electoral experience at events.

She, however, said that it had not been an easy journey for her as there were rough days when she had to burst out in tears.

“I’ve had issues with inaccessibility, inadequate funding, ethnicity, gender discrimination and disability, but I was able to overcome my challenges with my spirit of resilience, courage, determination and strong will.

“Challenges will help you grow and will later become history.

“I’ve used my political space to inspire young people, persons with disabilities and women to stand firm,” Auta said.

Source: NAN

Photo Credit: Google