AN EVALUATIVE STUDY ON GENDER INEQUALITY AND WOMEN PARTICIPATION IN NIGERIAN POLITICS: ANALYSIS OF THE FOURTH REPUBLIC

Nigerian women constitute about half of the population of the country and are known to play vital roles as mother, producer, time manager, community organizer, social and political activist. But despite the major roles they play and their population, the society has not given recognition to these and to the fact that they are discriminated against. There are several factors that affect women’s participation in Nigeria. These include cultural and religious factors, low level of education, lack of political orientation, male dominance and the likes. It is noteworthy that in spite of the challenges highlighted above, the trend on women participation has been very remarkable there also seems to be a palpable fear that if women were to become dominant in the political sphere, gender relations will be ruined, thereby posing a threat to national stability. The general objective of this study was to examine the role of women in the political process. No doubt, there are several countries in which women are either their presidents of equivalents. These include, Liberia, Germany, Argentina, to mention just a few. The study found out that the use of thugs (61%), lack of clear policy for women political ambition (57%), lack of adequate recognition for women in position of authority (59%) and religion barrier (58%) are some of the factors militating against women’s participation in politics. Results further revealed that women’s lack of adequate education/training (55.7%) is another major challenge to women’s political aspirations. Results also revealed that women are marginalized and feature minimally in government because Nigeria lacks a legislative framework that secures quotas for women in political parties. Patriarchal attitudes, religion and lack of clear policy were found to militate against women’s participation in politics and governance. To overcome these problems, the study recommended amongst others, the development of electoral reforms that promote equitable representation of women and respect for due process. Empowerment of women by ensuring their access to credit facilities was proffered. The study concluded that the institutionalization of varieties of special mechanisms is most needed in increasing women’s participation in governance. Also, women should be enlightened by the official of the National orientation agency as well as through sustained publicity by political parties so as to increase their political awareness. The federal should make it mandatory that certain public offices be allotted to women on equal basis. This will dissolve any form of discrimination of women by men. Money politics should be discouraged in Nigeria while women who want to take active part in politics be encouraged to do so without any fear or favor. Keywords: Gender inequality, Women Participation and Politics