Dr. Elishama Rosemary Ideh, a Nigerian evangelist, humanitarian, and advocate for national transformation, has called on women to be bold enough to step into spaces where decisions are made. In an interview, she addressed the low representation of women in leadership, barriers hindering their progress, and the need to dismantle stereotypes that limit their potential.
Path to Politics
Dr. Ideh explained that her interest in politics was not driven by ambition but by a burden for Nigeria. As an evangelist traveling across the nation, she witnessed suffering and systemic challenges, leading her to advocate for governance, justice, and nation-building. This passion culminated in her 2019 presidential aspiration, which she described as a statement of conviction that righteous leadership is possible.
Partnership For A New Nigeria
She founded the Partnership For A New Nigeria (PFANN), a socio-advocacy movement focused on awakening citizens to national transformation and responsible citizenship. PFANN mobilizes youth and women to participate actively in nation-building, advocating for good governance, ethical leadership, and social justice.
Gender Discrimination
Dr. Ideh acknowledged experiencing gender bias in male-dominated spaces like politics, but she refused to let discrimination define her. She emphasized that competence, character, vision, and grace speak louder than stereotypes, urging women to remain focused and resilient.
Low Female Representation
She believes women possess tremendous leadership capacity but face cultural limitations and systemic barriers. She called for intentional efforts to create environments where women are encouraged, trained, and given equal opportunities to lead, noting that sidelining women deprives society of enormous potential.
Overcoming Barriers
To challenge barriers, leaders and organizations must be intentional about inclusion, changing mindsets, and dismantling stereotypes. Policies should promote equal opportunities, mentorship, and leadership development, while organizations must provide safe environments for women to thrive.
Leadership Qualities in Crisis
During uncertain times, leaders need courage, integrity, wisdom, compassion, and vision. Dr. Ideh emphasized that great leadership is about service, sacrifice, and inspiring others, not power.
Empowering Women and Girls
Through mentoring programs, leadership initiatives, and humanitarian work, she helps women and girls discover purpose and build confidence. Her initiatives, including Christ The Ever-Present Ministry and Mentoring Women/Raising Leaders, support widows, young girls, and vulnerable women with counseling, empowerment, and training.
Ministry Blessings
As a minister, Dr. Ideh has witnessed lives transformed through God's power, bringing healing and hope. She has experienced God's grace in breaking barriers and using her voice to impact generations.
Church and Society
She noted that while the Nigerian church has made contributions, more work is needed to equip believers for societal transformation. Faith should influence governance, business, education, and community development, raising disciples as change agents.
Significant Milestones
Dr. Ideh considers seeing lives transformed and raising leaders as significant milestones. Her 2019 presidential candidacy was a statement of conviction that righteous leadership is possible in Nigeria.
Advice for Women
She advises women to believe in themselves, invest in personal growth, and not let fear or societal limitations silence their voice. Leadership is about capacity, vision, and service, not gender. Women must be bold to enter decision-making spaces and contribute meaningfully.
