By Miracle Oluwafemi Esq.
Women’s representation in Nigerian politics remains notably low compared to global averages. Despite progress in some areas, the landscape remains heavily skewed, with significant barriers preventing women from access and succeeding in political roles. These barriers, deeply embedded within Nigeria’s socio-cultural, economic, and political frameworks, reflect long-standing challenges that hinder gender equality and prevent an inclusive governance system. This article examines these barriers and proposes strategies to enhance women’s participation in Nigerian politics.
Historical Context
To understand the barriers faced by Nigerian women in politics today, it is essential to consider their historical context. During Nigeria’s colonial era, women played limited public roles and were primarily confined to domestic spheres, a trend only partially shifted in the post-colonial era. Despite notable contributions to the independence movement, women’s political rights have often been overlooked or marginalised in formal structures. Since then, periods of advocacy have spurred change, but progress has been slow, with representation still limited in appointed and elective government positions and political parties. This historical backdrop underscores the complexity of breaking down persistent barriers today.
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Major Barriers Faced by Women in Nigerian Politics
- Socio-Cultural Barriers
- Traditional Gender Roles: Deep-seated cultural beliefs continue to limit women’s roles, with many viewing leadership as inherently masculine. Traditional norms often regard women as primarily responsible for household duties, making political aspirations seem incongruent with expected gender roles. Muthoni emphasises that these norms are entrenched in the social fabric, significantly affecting women’s political participation in Nigeria.
- Religious Beliefs: In some regions, particularly where religious teachings emphasise distinct roles for men and women, female leadership is sometimes viewed as inappropriate or less legitimate. This creates a climate where women face skepticism or resistance when vying for political positions.
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2. Economic Barriers
- Financial Constraints: Political campaigns in Nigeria are notoriously expensive, requiring substantial financial resources that many women find difficult to secure. Given the economic disparity that often exists between men and women, many female aspirants struggle with inadequate funding, making it challenging to run effective campaigns or compete with well-funded male opponents.
- Income Disparities: Income inequalities place female candidates at a disadvantage. Often having fewer assets or financial backing than their male counterparts, they face challenges in securing campaign financing, which limits their visibility and electoral success. Although, it will be fair to note that some parties offer forms to women for free. However, having this form does not translate to the female candidate being put on the ballot.
3. Political Barriers
- Patriarchal Political Structures: Nigerian politics has historically been a male-dominated domain. This “old boys’ club” environment restricts women’s access and creates significant obstacles for those who wish to engage meaningfully. The influence of political “godfathers” or entrenched male networks often excludes women, making it difficult for them to gain party nominations or participate equally.
- Lack of Support and Mentorship: There is a noticeable lack of mentors and support systems for women in politics. Male mentors are more accessible to young men entering politics, while female aspirants often find themselves without guidance or mentorship, leaving them less prepared for the political arena’s demands and nuances.
4. Legal and Institutional Barriers
- Ineffective Legal Provisions: Although Nigeria has ratified several international conventions supporting gender equality, the translation of these commitments into effective policies remains insufficient. Existing laws are not always implemented or enforced adequately, allowing gender disparities to persist.
- Lack of Quota Systems: Unlike some other countries that have implemented quota systems (both at party and national levels) to ensure female representation, Nigeria lacks enforceable mechanisms to mandate a minimum level of female participation in government. This absence results in a predominantly male government, limiting women’s influence on policy and decision-making. Although Nigeria has a 35% parity affirmation which has yet to be adopted at the national and state levels.
5. Social and Personal Challenges
- Security Concerns: Political engagement in Nigeria often comes with security risks, including threats of violence, harassment, and intimidation. A notable example is Senator Natasha Akpoti, who faced harassment and physical attacks during her campaigns. Akpoti, who ran for Senate in Kogi State, encountered serious intimidation tactics and threats to her safety. Her experience highlights the risks for women who challenge male-dominated spaces in Nigerian politics, revealing how security issues discourage many women from pursuing political careers due to fear for their safety and well-being. This case exemplifies the barriers faced by female candidates, emphasising the need for better security measures to protect women in politics.
- Work-Life Balance: Women often carry a disproportionate burden of household responsibilities, balancing career aspirations with family obligations. This dual role creates additional pressures and makes sustained political engagement more challenging. For many women, the demands of political life, combined with family responsibilities, make politics an unviable option.
Impact of Barriers on Women’s Political Representation
The cumulative effect of these barriers is reflected in the underrepresentation of women across Nigeria’s political landscape. Women occupy a small percentage of seats in the National Assembly and state-level legislatures, and they are scarcely represented in executive roles. As it stands, women are 3.7% of the Senate and 4.5% of the House of Representatives. This underrepresentation hinders the development of inclusive policies, as women’s unique perspectives and experiences are often absent in the legislative process. Policies in areas such as healthcare, education, and social welfare, where women’s insights could drive improvements, are less reflective of diverse voices due to this gender imbalance.
Beyond governance, the limited representation of women in politics has broader socio-economic implications. A lack of female leaders perpetuates inequalities in other areas, as young women and girls have fewer role models to inspire their ambitions. This imbalance perpetuates a cycle of exclusion, where fewer women aspire to political roles, viewing the field as inaccessible.
Efforts and Strategies to Improve Female Participation
- Legal and Policy Reforms
- Quota Systems and The Special Seat Bill (Reserved Seats): Introducing legally enforced quotas has proven effective in other countries. For example, Rwanda has implemented a quota system that reserves a significant percentage of parliamentary seats for women, resulting in one of the highest rates of female representation globally. Similarly, India employs a quota system at the local government level, reserving a third of all seats for women, which has greatly improved women’s participation in local governance. These international examples demonstrate how quotas can facilitate increased representation, creating a more inclusive government structure. By considering similar reforms, Nigeria could significantly improve its gender balance in political institutions.
2. Societal Advocacy and Education
- Community Engagement Programs: Addressing deeply rooted socio-cultural barriers requires community-level engagement. Initiatives that educate communities on the benefits of women in leadership roles can help shift perceptions. Community leaders, NGOs, and advocates can play vital roles in promoting these discussions.
- Public Awareness Campaigns and Media Roles: Media campaigns are essential for reshaping societal attitudes about women in politics. Positive portrayals of female leaders in media can challenge stereotypes and demonstrate the value of gender diversity in politics, creating a more supportive environment for female candidates.
3. Support Networks and Mentorship Programs
- Female Political Alliances: Building alliances among female political aspirants and seasoned politicians can foster a support system where women share resources, advice, and strategies. Networks such as women’s political groups or alliances offer guidance and help women navigate the challenges they face.
- Political Skills Training: Organisations and institutions focused on developing leadership skills for women can significantly impact their political journeys. Training programs that build campaign skills, public speaking, and policy advocacy empower women with the tools needed to compete effectively in the political arena.
4. International Support and Partnerships
- International Organisations’ Role: International bodies, NGOs, and foreign government initiatives can provide support by funding programs, offering training, and advocating for policies that empower women politically. Partnerships can introduce best practices and offer a platform for Nigerian women to connect with international female leaders.
- Best Practices from Other Countries: Examining models from countries with strong female representation can offer valuable insights for Nigerian reform efforts. Understanding how these nations address barriers, implement quotas, and ensure gender equality in politics could guide Nigeria toward similar successes.
Conclusion
Addressing the barriers faced by women in Nigerian politics requires a multifaceted approach involving legal reforms, socio-cultural shifts, and supportive networks. Increased representation of women is not merely a matter of equity but is essential for creating policies that reflect the needs of the entire population. By removing structural and cultural obstacles, Nigeria can pave the way for a more inclusive political environment that better serves its diverse citizenry. Overcoming these barriers will take concerted efforts from the government, civil society, and communities, but the future of Nigerian politics holds promise if these changes are pursued with commitment and urgency.
References
- Wanjiru Muthoni, ‘Gender Disparities in Political Participation: An Analysis of Women’s Participation in Nigerian Politics’ (2022) 9 African Journal of Political Science 45.
- Tunde Akinyemi, ‘The Impact of Socio-Cultural Barriers on Women’s Political Participation in Nigeria’ (2021) 7 Journal of Gender Studies 233.
- Olatunde Ogunyemi, ‘Women’s Political Participation in Nigeria: Challenges and Prospects’ (2020) Nigerian Journal of Political Science 12.
- Okeke Chidinma, ‘Legal Frameworks and Women’s Participation in Politics: An Analysis of Nigeria’s National Gender Policy’ (2023) 11 Journal of African Law 83.
- Abiola Adelakun, ‘Empowering Women for Political Participation in Nigeria: The Role of Civil Society Organizations’ (2022) 5 Journal of Gender, Politics and Society 101.
