Gender Equality And Women Political Representation In Nigeria (2011- 2023)

Gender Equality And Women Political Representation In Nigeria (2011- 2023) – Charles
Abstract
This study was carried out to examine gender equality and women political representation in Nigeria (2011- 2023) using Umunneochi LGA Of Abia State as a case study. The study specifically was aimed to determine the level of women participation in politics in Nigeria between 2011 to 2023, find out the extent gender equality has significant influenced women participation in Politics in Nigeria between 2011-2023, ascertain the factors which influenced women political representation in Nigeria between 2011-2023, and find out the extent gender disparity has negatively affected women political representation in Nigeria between 2011-2023. The survey design was adopted and the simple random sampling techniques were employed in this study. The population size comprise of women in Umunneochi LGA Of Abia State. In determining the sample size, the researcher conveniently selected 147 respondents and 141 were validated. Self-constructed and validated questionnaire was used for data collection. The collected and validated questionnaires were analyzed using frequency tables and mean scores. While the hypotheses were tested using Chi-square statistical tool. The result of the findings reveals that the level of women participation in politics in Nigeria between 2011 to 2023 is low. The study also revealed that the factors which influenced women political representation in Nigeria between 2011-2023 includes: Poor financial strength, lower levels of female employment and education, sexist attitudes towards women, cost of elections, and God Fatherism. Therefore, it is recommended that since culture is not static, the government through various agencies such as National Orientation Agency and the mass media should adopt strategies towards reorientation of the public vis-à-vis the importance and necessity of women participation in politics. In the same vein, appropriate laws should be enacted (if the available ones are not enough or limited in scope) and rigorously enforced to drastically reduce the negative nature of elections in the country to enable level playing ground for all devoid of all forms of threats, harassment and intimidation. To mention but a few.
Table of Content
- Title Page
- Certification
- Dedication
- Acknowledgement
- Table of Content
- List of Tables
- Abstract
Chapter One:
Introduction
- 1.1 Background of the Study
- 1.2 Statement of the Problem
- 1.3 Objective of the Study
- 1.4 Research Questions
- 1.5 Research Hypothesis
- 1.6 Significance of the Study
- 1.7 Scope of the Study
- 1.8 Limitation of the Study
- 1.9 Definition of Terms
- 1.10 Organisations of the Study
Chapter Two:
Review of Literature
- 2.1 Conceptual Framework
- 2.2 Theoretical Framework
- 2.3 Empirical Review
Chapter Three:
Research Methodology
- 3.1 Research Design
- 3.2 Population of the Study
- 3.3 Sample Size Determination
- 3.4 Sample Size Selection Technique and Procedure
- 3.5 Research Instrument and Administration
- 3.6 Method of Data Collection
- 3.7 Method of Data Analysis
- 3.8 Validity of the Study
- 3.9 Reliability of the Study
- 3.10 Ethical Consideration
Chapter Four:
Data Presentation and Analysis
- 4.1 Data Presentation
- 4.2 Analysis of Data
- 4.3 Answering Research Questions
- 4.4 Test of Hypotheses
Chapter Five:
Summary, Conclusion and Recommendation
- 5.1 Summary
- 5.2 Conclusion
- 5.3 Recommendation
- References
- APPENDIX
- QUESTIONNAIRE
Chapter One
Introduction
1.1 Background of the Study
Globally, the ability of all people including men and women, to engage in the administration of public affairs is fundamental to democratic government. This is because democracy requires equal opportunity platform for political involvement and decision making process. According to Uhunmwuangho (2021), the Inter-Parliamentary Union via Universal Declaration of Democracy stated that “the achievement of democracy presupposes a genuine partnership between men and women in the conduct of societal affairs in which they work in equality and complementary drawing mutual enrichment from their differences” (Inter-parliamentary Union, 2020). Since equitable political participation is sin qua non to democracy, Chukwuemeka and Eze (2021) mntioned that a society cannot be really democratized without the full and active involvement of women who form around 50 percent of the population of any nation. Incorporation of gendered viewpoint in policy making process is therefore vital for sustained democracy.
From a conceptual standpoint, Gender is determined by the conception of tasks, functions and roles attributed to women and men in society, public and private life. According to FAO (1997) referenced in Sanni (2022), gender is defined as ‘the relations between men and women, both perceptual and material. It is not determined biologically, as a result of sexual characteristics of either women or men, but is constructed socially. However, Conventionally, gender is often misunderstood as being the promotion of women only, forgetting that it focuses on the relationship between men and women, their roles, access to and control over resources, division of labour, interests and needs. Baumann (2020) further explains that gender relations affect household security, family well-being, planning, production and many other aspects of life. It tends to denote the social and cultural role of each sex within a given society.
Unequivocally, the society has from the beginning discriminated against female gender ranging from case where women denied equal treatment with men in the issue of inheritance, sustainable economic growth, etc. It is generally believed in our country Nigeria that women are inferior to men; hence, they belong to “the other room”. Inequality of gender has been noted to have negative effects that stand as a barrier for national integration in our society. Some of such negative effects include; unequal cultural treatment for male and female, unequal opportunity in politics, jobs, education, etc. These factors have engulfed females, making them to face many challenges in their bid to be heard and not seen alone as the society has made them.
Although, women constitute at least half of the population in Nigeria, like in other regions of the world. Women account for 48.78% of the national population, according to the 2006 Census report, although this numerical strength does not imply a rise in women’s engagement in political activities in the country (Arowolo and Aluko 2021, Nigeria CEDAW NGO Coalition Shadow Report, 2018). While the global average for women in national politics is 10%, in Nigeria, the percentage has seldom exceeded 3%. (Inter-parliamentary Union, 2020). According to Kira (2020), regardless of the fact that equal political opportunity for women is a goal held by both men and women, and in spite of rising support for women’s equality, women have historically had low involvement in politics and decision-making roles even as women make up about half of the world’s current population.
Conversely, after three consecutive democratic change of government in 1999, 2003 and 2007), however gender inequalities, discrimination and stereotypes continue to exist in all spheres of the Nigerian polity, preventing women from developing and exercising their full human capabilities and to play a powerful role in sustainable democracy.
1.2 Statement of the Problem
Following Nigeria’s restoration to democracy in 1999, the issue of women’s engagement in the political process received a lot of attention. Based on the Beijing Declaration, one would think that with the transition of power from the military rule to a civilian democratic administration, women would be represented equally. Isola (2020) averred that despite that this provision was made by the apex body, Nigeria is still not on track to implement the thirty percent quota for female participation in Nigerian politics. On the contrary, with 2%, 4%, and 6% increases in women political participation and 6.3%, 8.8%, and 7.3% increases in women representation in the national parliament in the 1999, 2003, and 2007 elections, respectively, it is clear that the perception that democracy would automatically increase women’s political involvement has not been validated after two decades of civilian rule in Nigeria (Ethridge and Handelman 2020).
Scholars have proposed many elements that influence women’s political engagement across the world. These variables either help or impede women’s participation in political activity. Among the factors investigated, empirical researches reveal the following four as highly important: economical factor; cultural elements; historical legacy of a society’s cultural and political traditions; and institutional design consideration, stated Chrisman (2022). However what is unclear is how these four issues question and impact women’s roles and participation in grassroots political engagement.
To buttress the above points, Azikiwe (1992) cited in Anifowose (2023) observes that the position of women is still adversely influenced by some cultural practices and norms as found associated with african setting where the discriminatory gender functions are anchored on gender myths, which permit the men folk to dominate, control and exploit women economically, educationally, and politically. In this regard, it is evident to say that women are oppressed and they operate in a restricted scope which leads to inequality of gender. The above assertion by Azikiwe implies that the society is organized to press women into accepting any role given to them by the society, even when there is no justification for such inequality against women which affect all facet of their life including political participation. Thus it will be succinct to mention that this research is born out of the fact that the culture, history and tradition of the Igbo are embodied into gender inequality limiting women involving in political activities. Against the background, the study therefore seeks to examine gender equality and women political representation in Nigeria (2011- 2023).
1.3 Objective of the Study
The broad objective of this study is focused on gender equality and women political representation in Nigeria (2011- 2023). Specifically, the study will:
- Determine the level of women participation in politics in Nigeria between 2011 to 2023.
- Find out the extent gender equality has significant influenced women participation in Politics in Nigeria between 2011-2023.
- Ascertain the factors which influenced women political representation in Nigeria between 2011-2023.
- Find out the extent gender disparity has negatively affected women political representation in Nigeria between 2011-2023.
1.4 Research Questions
- What is the level of women participation in politics in Nigeria between 2011 to 2023?
- To what extent does gender equality has significant influenced women participation in Politics in Nigeria between 2011-2023?
- What are the factors which influenced women political representation in Nigeria between 2011-2023?
- To what extent do gender disparity has negatively affected women political representation in Nigeria between 2011-2023?
1.5 Research Hypothesis
- Ho: Gender equality does not have significant influenced women participation in Politics in Nigeria between 2011-2023.
- Ha: Gender equality does have significant influenced women participation in Politics in Nigeria between 2011-2023.
1.5 Significance of the Study
Marginalization of women in local governance is nothing but an elongation of male dominance in virtually all political affairs. As such, historical fact of this nature is strongly associated with the attitudinal views which had often impede the chances of women to having more political representatives at the various local government levels in Nigeria.This therefore makes the study both timely and significant. For government, policy makers and the society.
The research will equally be beneficial to NGOs, scholars and government agencies on gender related issues such as Inter-parliamentary Union, United Nations’ Division for the Advancement of Women (DAW) Committee for the Elimination of all form of Discrimination against Women (CEDAW) as it will aid them in their search for gender equality. Findings of the study will also reemphasize the need for the society to trash out social and cultural norm that promotes male dominance and patriarchy that dissuades women participation in local politics.
Thus on the the contrary provide equal opportunity for women involvement and provide them with necessary support they need thereof.
In addition, the suggestions and recommendations that will be proffered in this study will help improve the level of political participation of women in Nigeria particularly a detailed analysis of this phenomenon will help contribute to the sparse knowledge in this area. Empirically, the study ,Contribute to the bulk of knowledge in the existing literature. Nevertheless, the project will also serve as a guide to future researchers who intend to investigate in this area.
1.7 Scope of the Study
The study focuses on gender equality and women political representation in Nigeria (2011- 2023). Geographically, this study will be delimited to Umunneochi LGA Of Abia State, where the women will be gather to serve as the respondents to this study.
1.8 Limitation of the Study
Like in every human endeavour, the researchers encountered slight constraints while carrying out the study. The significant constraint was the scanty literature on the subject owing that it is a new discourse thus the researcher incurred more financial expenses and much time was required in sourcing for the relevant materials, literature, or information and in the process of data collection, which is why the researcher resorted to a limited choice of sample size. Additionally, the researcher will simultaneously engage in this study with other academic work. Despite the constraint encountered during the research, all factors were downplayed in other to give the best and make the research successful.
1.9 Definition of Terms
Politics:
Politics is the set of activities that are associated with making decisions in groups, or other forms of power relations among individuals, such as the distribution of resources or status.
Political Participation:
Political participation includes a broad range of activities through which people develop and express their opinions on the world and how it is governed, and try to take part in and shape the decisions that affect their lives.
Woman:
Women is defined as an adult female person.
1.10 Organization of the Study
The study is categorized into five chapters. The first chapter presents the background of the study, statement of the problem, objective of the study, research questions and hypothesis, the significance of the study, scope/limitations of the study, and definition of terms. The chapter two covers the review of literature with emphasis on conceptual framework, theoretical framework, and empirical review. Likewise, the chapter three which is the research methodology, specifically covers the research design, population of the study, sample size determination, sample size, and selection technique and procedure, research instrument and administration, method of data collection, method of data analysis, validity and reliability of the study, and ethical consideration. The second to last chapter being the chapter four presents the data presentation and analysis, while the last chapter(chapter five) contains the summary, conclusion and recommendation.
Chapter Five
Summary, Conclusions and Recommendations:
5.1 Introduction
This chapter summarizes the findings ongender equality and women political representation in Nigeria (2011- 2023) using Umunneochi LGA Of Abia State as a case study. The chapter consists of summary of the study, conclusions, and recommendations.
5.2 Summary of the Study
In this study, our focus was to examine gender equality and women political representation in Nigeria (2011- 2023) using Umunneochi LGA Of Abia State as a case study. The study specifically was aimed to determine the level of women participation in politics in Nigeria between 2011 to 2023, find out the extent gender equality has significant influenced women participation in Politics in Nigeria between 2011-2023, ascertain the factors which influenced women political representation in Nigeria between 2011-2023, and find out the extent gender disparity has negatively affected women political representation in Nigeria between 2011-2023.
The study adopted the survey research design and randomly enrolled participants in the study. A total of 141 responses were validated from the enrolled participants where all respondents are women in Umunneochi LGA Of Abia State.
5.3 Conclusions
Based on the findings of this study, the researcher made the following conclusion.
- The level of women participation in politics in Nigeria between 2011 to 2023 is low.
- Gender equality has significantly influenced women participation in Politics in Nigeria between 2011-2023 to a high extent.
- The factors which influenced women political representation in Nigeria between 2011-2023 includes: Poor financial strength, lower levels of female employment and education, sexist attitudes towards women, cost of elections, and God Fatherism.
- Gender disparity has negatively affected women political representation in Nigeria between 2011-2023 to a high extent.
5.4 Recommendations
Based on the findings of the study, the following recommendations are proffered.
Since culture is not static, the government through various agencies such as National Orientation Agency and the mass media should adopt strategies towards reorientation of the public vis-à-vis the importance and necessity of women participation in politics. In the same vein, appropriate laws should be enacted (if the available ones are not enough or limited in scope) and rigorously enforced to drastically reduce the negative nature of elections in the country to enable level playing ground for all devoid of all forms of threats, harassment and intimidation.
To ensure active participation of women in politics, civil society organisations, governments as well as political parties should increase the level of awareness of women by organising seminars/workshops not only in the cities but also in the villages. Attendance to such seminars/workshops should be open to both women and men. Men need to be orientated about the need to allow their wives to participate in politics. This is necessary as most of the male respondents are of the opinion that women prostitutes are in politics and that any women in politics are irresponsible house wives. In addition, governments at all levels should encourage girl child education. It can be made compulsory that all female children of school age should go to school free of charge. This will give them equal opportunity with their male counterparts.

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