Nigeria, despite having a nearly equal population of men and women, faces a consistent challenge in achieving Gender Equality in politics. Women remain underrepresented mainly in government at all levels. In the country, women hold 5 percent of federal lawmakers’ seats and have never had a female governor. Deeply inherent cultural norms relegate women to domestic roles, and economic limitations further restrict their capacity to participate. Political parties contribute to the imbalance by hesitating to nominate women for key positions.
Historically, Nigeria has been a male-dominated society where women have been marginalised and discriminated against in various aspects of life, including politics. This has resulted in a lack of female representation in decision-making bodies and a perpetuation of gender inequality in the country. Recently, steps have been taken towards achieving gender equality in Nigerian politics. In 2018, the Nigerian Senate passed a bill to reserve 35 percent of elective positions for women in the country. While this was a significant step forward, the bill has yet to be signed into law and implemented.
Government can empower women to enhance national development.
The lack of gender equality in Nigerian Politics has far-reaching implications for the country. Studies have shown that when women are involved in decision-making, policies and laws are more likely to address the needs of all citizens, not just a select few. Increasing women’s political participation can help tackle Corruption and promote good governance. Several barriers prevent women from fully participating in Nigerian politics. These include cultural norms and stereotypes that suggest women are not fit for leadership roles, lack of access to Education and resources, and violence and intimidation targeted at female politicians.
Also, the World Health Organization reports that Nigeria ranks 128 out of 153 nations in gender equality, influenced by economic opportunity, education, health, political representation, and financial inclusion. This inequality affects decision-making, economic autonomy, and cultural norms. Addressing these disparities is essential for creating a fair and inclusive society where men and women have equal opportunities to thrive. By prioritising gender equity in all sectors, Nigeria can work towards closing the gender gap and empowering women to contribute fully to the country’s development and success.
Many agencies and organisations advocate for gender equality in politics.
Several agencies and organisations promote gender equality in politics, including the National Center for Women Development (NCWD), a government group dedicated to advancing gender equality and empowering women. They focus on ensuring women’s active participation in politics and decision-making processes, aiming to create a more inclusive political environment. Also, the Women in Politics Forum (WIPF) is a non-governmental organisation that advocates for increased women’s participation in politics and leadership roles. They work to raise awareness, provide training, and offer support to women aspiring to enter politics, striving to break barriers and promote gender equality in politics.
Furthermore, the Women’s Rights and Health Project (WRAHP) is another organisation in Nigeria dedicated to advancing women’s rights and health. In addition to promoting gender equality in various sectors, including politics, they work to empower women and address gender disparities to create a more equitable society. Additionally, the International Federation of Women Lawyers (FIDA) Nigeria is a global organisation branch that promotes women’s rights and gender equality in Nigeria. Legal aid, advocacy, and support for women’s political participation are crucial in advancing gender equality and ensuring women’s voices are heard in decision-making.
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Overall, achieving gender equality in Nigerian politics is not just about fairness and justice but is also vital for the country’s development and progress. Empowering women to participate in decision-making processes is key to unlocking the full potential of Nigeria’s population. By including diverse perspectives and experiences in governance, the country can make more informed and inclusive policies that benefit all citizens. Creating a more representative and equitable political landscape not only enhances democracy but also promotes social cohesion and economic growth, leading to a more prosperous and thriving nation.