It can be considered self-evident that the Universal Declaration of Human Rights affirms the entitlement of all individuals to participate in the governance of their respective nations. Moreover, the enhancement and independence of women, as well as the advancement of their socio-economic and political standing, play a crucial role in attaining transparent and responsible governance and administration, as well as sustainable development across various domains. The power dynamics that impede women from leading fulfilling lives permeate multiple strata of society, ranging from the intimate to the highly visible (Innocent, Anthony, & Chimaraoke, 2014). In spite of the prevailing trend towards democratisation across various political systems, there exists a significant disparity in the representation of women in governmental bodies, particularly in ministerial and executive roles. Furthermore, women have encountered limited advancements in acquiring political influence within legislative bodies, and have fallen short of the target set by the Economic and Social Council in 1995, which aimed for a 30 percent representation of women in decision-making positions. (UNO, 1996). The phenomenon of globalisation has given rise to diverse viewpoints and discussions surrounding the concept of development. One of the prominent contemporary discourses in development places significant emphasis on the intersection of gender and governance. There exists ample evidence to substantiate the notion that women are a valuable asset in public office.
In the context of Nigeria, women are currently experiencing unprecedented levels of progress and empowerment within their own country. Since achieving independence from Great Britain in 1960, there has been a notable absence of female governors across all 36 states in Nigeria. Furthermore, the country has yet to witness the appointment of a female president. Nigeria experienced a delay of nineteen years subsequent to its attainment of independence before designating its inaugural female Minister, Chief Adenike Ebun Oyagbola, who assumed the position of Nigeria’s Minister of National Planning during the period of 1979-1983/4. However, the role of women in Nigeria’s socio-political landscape has consistently been significant. Throughout history, various myths and legends have attributed noble roles to women, portraying them as catalysts of transformation who have contributed positively to the overall vitality of society. Several instances in Ife, specifically Moremi Ajasoro, exemplify the profound reverence bestowed upon her name to this day, owing to her pivotal role in the emancipation of her community. During the 15th and 16th centuries, Queen Amina of Zazzau emerged as a prominent figure in the governance of the Northern region, wielding significant influence. Queen Idia of the Bini Kingdom is considered to be on par with notable figures such as Moremi and Amina. In the contemporary Nigerian context, several notable figures have emerged as symbols of empowerment within households. These individuals include the late Margaret Ekpo, late Gambo Sawaba, late Funmilayo Ransome Kuti, and the city of Abeokuta. These figures were instrumental in their relentless efforts to combat the oppression and imposition of taxes on women, particularly in the Northern region of Nigeria.
Insufficient representation of women in policy-making positions within Nigeria’s post-independence political landscape has failed to adequately reflect their role. In spite of the considerable backing provided by women, women organisations, market women movements, and other entities to various political parties, the extent of political patronage benefiting women has been limited until recently (Innocent, Anthony, & Chimaraoke, 2014). This phenomenon can be attributed to the fact that party membership often consists of a higher proportion of men, resulting in implications for women in candidate selection and election processes. Given that men typically hold a majority within the political party hierarchy, they tend to exert dominance over the political structure, thus gaining an advantageous position in shaping the internal politics of the party. Insufficient representation, participation, and involvement of women in the formulation and implementation of plans for their economic development and social justice through decentralised institutions have hindered their ability to receive adequate benefits from years of planning and development. The majority of political parties do not possess comprehensive records regarding their female membership, and only a limited number of women are afforded the opportunity to run as candidates in elections. The socio-cultural environment in Nigeria has given rise to various discriminatory practises that have resulted in the average Nigerian woman exhibiting characteristics such as timidity, lack of education, absence of leadership skills, and an inability to compete with her male counterpart (Innocent, Anthony, & Chimaraoke, 2014). She lacks the necessary preparation for assuming any form of leadership role. There exists a societal expectation for women to provide support to men, rather than openly challenging them or advocating for gender equality, as such actions may contribute to the development of animosity and conflict.
One significant obstacle to women’s engagement in public roles and politics is the limited availability of high-quality formal education. The present thesis argues that the insufficient quality of formal education serves as a significant obstacle to the progression of women to high-level positions in decision-making (Irabor, 2011). Due to a deficiency in formal education and the influence of cultural norms during their upbringing, the male individuals responsible for authoring various documents have consistently propagated the notion that a woman’s societal role is confined to the domestic sphere. Due to a lack of educational attainment, limited professional competence, and inadequate leadership capabilities, the Nigerian woman exhibits a dearth of self-assurance, bravery, and audacity necessary to aspire to the highest position within the political sphere (Okafor & Akokuwebe, 2015). In addition to the aforementioned barrier, another significant challenge is the insufficiency of financial resources. Politics is a costly endeavour that necessitates substantial financial resources, particularly in Nigeria, where an individual’s electoral prospects are significantly influenced by their financial capacity. The central argument of this thesis posits that a significant number of women experience poverty, and even those who are affluent may not possess financial independence. Consequently, individuals may encounter financial constraints that hinder their ability to finance a political campaign of substantial magnitude (Wills, 1991).
The prevalence of crimes and corruption in emerging democracies creates an unfavourable environment for women leaders to effectively fulfil their roles. Women may also find themselves occupying positions of lesser power, which may hinder their ability to effectively confront instances of corruption. In addition, individuals may encounter instances of corruption that are influenced by gender, such as instances where sexual favours are solicited in exchange for access to services or resources. The non-extension of equal rights to all citizens, particularly women, is observed in certain regions where they are regarded as subordinate individuals. In such instances, individuals are precluded from engaging in any form of participation, including activities at the most fundamental levels of society. According to Okafor and Akokuwebe (2015), there is a prevailing societal perception that women are inherently suited for the role of homemakers, particularly in the kitchen. There is a pressing requirement for extensive mobilisation campaigns aimed at challenging conventional attitudes and stereotypes surrounding women’s roles and achieving gender equity with men. These efforts are crucial in upholding egalitarian principles and fostering early socialisation. A limited representation of women in high-ranking political and administrative roles necessitates the demonstration of positive role modelling and mentoring in order to inspire and support aspiring women in these fields. Once again, it is imperative to implement affirmative action measures on a wide scale in order to address the persistent barriers that hinder the advancement of women in their careers. Additionally, these measures aim to rectify the longstanding imbalance in political representation, decision-making processes, recruitment practices, staff development, and promotion opportunities. Furthermore, it is imperative for Nigerian governments to demonstrate their dedication to the objective of achieving gender balance within political parties, governmental entities, and committees, as well as public administrative agencies. This commitment should aim to attain equitable representation of both women and men in the realm of politics and decision-making.
Conclusion and Recommendation
The political landscape and governance in post-colonial Nigeria have been characterised by a notable pattern of excluding and marginalising women. Despite significant developments in the representation of women in Nigerian politics and decision-making processes, women’s involvement remains primarily confined to domestic spheres, thereby excluding them from participating in public affairs and political endeavours. The Nigerian government must prioritise the inclusion of women in governance by actively addressing the existing stereotypes that hinder the advancement of Nigerian women. Social media platforms have the potential to enhance awareness and disseminate information regarding the significant contribution of women to national development.
References
Wills V. (1991), Public life Women make a Difference” Paper presented at the UN
United Nations (1987), Policy Development for increasing the Role of Women in Public Management: A guide for Human Resource Development and Training. New York.
Irabor, F.O. (2011), Review of Women’s Participation and Performance at the 2011 Elections of Women in Nigeria, Lagos: baobawomen.
Innocent, E., Anthony, O., and Chimaraoke, N. (2014). Women Marginalization in Electoral Politics in Nigeria: A historical Perspective. Arabian Journal of Business and Management Review, 2(7), 1-17.
Okafor, E., and Akokuwebe, M. (2015). Women and leadership in Nigeria: Challenges and Prospects. Developing Countries Studies, 5(4), 1-11.
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