Women in Nigeria have a long legacy of political engagement, dating back to the colonial era (Denzer, 1994). They organized against various forms of oppression, striving for equality across economic, socio-cultural, and political realms. However, entrenched patriarchal systems and societal norms hindered their full participation in governance structures.
In the documentary “Leadership as e suppose be” produced by the Dorothy Njemanze Foundation, critical issues surrounding gender inequality and marginalization in Nigeria are brought to light. The documentary highlights various factors hindering the progress of the female gender, including limited access to education, land, finance, inheritance rights, and harmful cultural practices. These barriers not only impede individual growth but also hinder the economic development of the entire nation.
Despite Nigeria’s rich cultural diversity, the recognition of only three major ethnic groups contributes to the neglect of smaller ethnic communities, including women within those groups. This marginalization not only hampers economic growth but also undermines social cohesion and national unity. The documentary emphasizes that advocating for the inclusion of marginalized groups, particularly women, is not merely a quest for power but a fundamental necessity for building a more equitable society. Dr. Abiola Akiyode-Afolabi, a women’s rights advocate, highlights the historical struggle against marginalization faced by women, underscoring the need for concerted efforts to address gender disparities.
Judith Butler (1999) posits that gender is performative. Therefore, It influences behavior expectations and societal norms, which often dictate roles and responsibilities based on perceived masculine and feminine traits. Gana and Yusuf (2023) affirm that despite evolving perceptions, such entrenched stereotypes continue to perpetuate gender inequalities, constraining women’s participation in politics and public life.
Feminist perspectives, featured in the earlier mentioned documentary, emphasize the importance of equal opportunities for men and women in all spheres of society. This requires the implementation of policies aimed at dismantling oppressive structures and promoting gender parity.
Women leaders interviewed in the documentary identify accountability, representation, and inclusion as key qualities of feminist leadership, emphasizing the imperative of diverse voices in decision-making processes.
Notwithstanding the democratic transition in 1999 and subsequent elections, the proportion of women in decision-making roles remains dismally low. The outcomes of the 2023 elections underscored the persistent barriers faced by women, with only a handful succeeding in securing parliamentary seats.
Although some progress has been made in promoting gender equality, challenges persist in achieving adequate representation of women in positions of power and influence. While Nigeria’s gender policy, established in 2006, initially aimed for 35% women representation, progress has been inconsistent. The dwindling number of women in political leadership roles, as highlighted in the documentary, by Austin Aigbe, reflects systemic barriers and entrenched patriarchal norms within political institutions.
Despite calls from around the world to increase women’s participation in public life, Nigeria seems to be heading in the wrong direction. Only 157 women, 39 senate members, and 119 out of the 469-member chambers were elected at that time, as opposed to 2,665 men comprising 616 senators and 2,041 representatives. (Gana & Yusuf, 2023). Gana & Yusuf conclude that the outcomes of the general elections held on February 25, 2023, have further highlighted Nigeria’s failure to put into effect several treaties and legislation it signed, in order to ensure women’s participation in politics.
Sustainability in democracy is very essential and it transcends electoral rituals. It is essential to acknowledge that gender equality in politics is not just a fundamental democratic principle, but also a crucial element for fostering a sustainable democracy. When we consider sustainability, the well-being of future generations is paramount, and women play an integral role in shaping that future. Therefore, women and gender equality are indispensable components of a forward-thinking society committed to sustaining democracy.
Women’s participation in Nigeria’s electoral process is not merely a matter of representation but a fundamental aspect of sustainable democracy. Addressing gender inequalities, enhancing electoral integrity, and fostering civic engagement are essential steps toward realizing inclusive and participatory governance. By embracing diversity, empowering women, and upholding democratic principles, Nigeria can navigate toward a future characterized by equitable representation, social justice, and sustainable democracy.
Various factors contribute to the underrepresentation of women in Nigerian politics, including cultural stereotypes, economic disparities, and institutional biases. While legal frameworks theoretically grant women equal rights, practical obstacles impede their political aspirations, perpetuating a cycle of marginalization.
Afolabi & Arogundade (2003) propose four approaches: access, involvement, representation, and transformation. These conditions must be met to increase women’s participation in politics, which is crucial, as politics determines resource distribution and influences societal decisions.
Recent socio-economic and cultural shifts offer glimmers of hope for advancing women’s political participation in Nigeria. Greater visibility of women in the workforce, evolving gender perceptions, and increased activism signal potential avenues for change. Moreover, women’s movements play a pivotal role in mobilizing support and advocating for inclusive political processes.
Despite the perceived opportunities for progress, it is expedient to not overlook factors hindering Women’s Participation. Firstly, cultural norms and discriminatory laws perpetuate women’s inferior status, hindering their political aspirations. Societal norms and perceptions view men as competitive and strong, while women are seen as passive, further marginalizing women in politics. Women also face greater challenges navigating Nigeria’s political landscape due to violence and intimidation, which discourages active participation. Moreover, women’s historical marginalization leaves them at a financial disadvantage, making it difficult to compete in costly political campaigns.
The following recommendations can help address barriers to women’s political participation. They include creating networks of women leaders, modifying empowerment policies, establishing mentorship programs, providing legal support for female politicians, and prioritizing women’s recruitment to positions of authority for sustainable development. Addressing the challenges faced by women in Nigerian politics requires concerted efforts from various stakeholders to create an inclusive and equitable political landscape.
As Nigeria strives for sustainable democracy, addressing the gender gap in politics emerges as a pressing imperative. Beyond legal enfranchisement, achieving gender equity requires dismantling entrenched barriers and fostering an environment conducive to women’s political empowerment. By embracing diversity and amplifying women’s voices, Nigeria can forge a more inclusive and representative democracy.
Adekemi Ope, a Rights Activist, writes in from Abuja, the Federal Capital Territory.
This opinion article is published in Partnership with the Dorothy Njemanze Foundation as part of its Improving Feminist Leadership Policy in Nigeria project funded by Heinrich-Böll-Stiftung to contribute to a more informed, engaging, and collaborative approach to feminist leadership policymaking in Nigeria by leveraging diverse perspectives, resources, and coalition building to address and bridge existing policy gender gaps and actions.
NB: Opinions expressed in this article are strictly attributable to the author, Adekemi Ope, and as it relates to the project stated above.
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