President Goodluck Jonathan will appoint 13 female ministers in his cabinet, in order to fulfil his campaign promise of having 35 per cent women in his administration."Research has shown that countries with greater gender equality have higher standards of living and significantly more achievements in all facets of the society", the president recently said at a summit in Abuja.

"Reports have also shown that where women leaders are present in critical numbers and are able to participate effectively, economically, politically, and socially, the result is more socially responsive governance," he added.

Big government
Out of the 43 ministerial positions, 13 slots will most likely go to women while men would take the rest. If this is the case, the president ignored the advice to trim his cabinet in a bid to reduce the cost of governance.

A top government source said: "The only problem is, if the governors or party leadership failed to send women's names to the president as ministerial nominees. But this would not stop him from fulfilling his promise to the women. Don't forget he has power to name whoever he wants as his ministers."

The president has also said: "If South Africa could give 40 per cent of political appointments to women; I don't see why giving our women 35 per cent is impossible."

Source: AllAfrica