ASSESSMENT OF THE FACTORS FOR LOW POLITICAL PARTICIPATION IN POLITICS OF WOMEN IN SELECTED LOCAL GOVERNMENTS OF KWARA STATE, NIGERIA
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Date
2019
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Publisher
ProQuest LLC 13428044
Abstract
This study has investigated the factors responsible for low participation of women in
political process in Nigeria, particularly in Offa, Baruten and Ilorin West Local
Government Areas of Kwara State under the new dispensation of a democratic
Government since 1999-2015. Thus, despite global campaign for gender equality,
women’s political representation in the country has failed to achieve the critical mass
of 30% women’s representation in the country’s parliament. The global average
representation of women in national politics is 10%; but in Nigeria, the figure has
hardly ever been more than 4.8%.The following are the three objectives that the
research work addressed (1) the examination of the impact of socio-cultural and
economic influence on women political participation. (2) an examination on the role
of Nigerian political parties on women political participation, and lastly (3)the level
of improvement of women political participation since 1999 to date, being a period of
democratic dispensation .To achieve the said objectives the study adopted both
qualitative and quantitative methodological approaches . However, the findings of the
study revealed that, most women in the selected local governments do not see
themselves capable enough to hold political positions as a result of low self-esteem,
lack of courage, zeal and inferiority complex. The study also found out that, the
notion of the society about women politicians also contributes to low women political
participation. As the society generally regard women politicians as irresponsible.
Also the study revealed that, finance is another fundamental factor contributing to the
low women political participation because, the political terrain of Nigeria is
structured into money politics, that even the fellow women cannot support women
political aspirants without money. Lastly, the research also found out that, most
political parties in Nigeria only use the women as agents of mobilization and dump
them after the election without adequate compensation. The study, thereafter,
recommended that, there is need for the government to initiate plans, programmes in
both public and private spheres for the re-orientation and reformation of customary
and religious institutions to give women courage and more support. Not only that,
government should ensure that the political environments is sanitized by curbing the
culture of electoral violence and the use of thugs to make it conducive for women.
Also support and courage should be given to women by political parties and
gatekeepers within the parties should operate internal democracies so as to select
women as candidates and flag bearers for elections. And INEC should also compel
political parties to act in line with the requirements of the 35percent affirmative
action for women.