Nigerian women in politics

Abstract

Over the years, women have been relegated to the background in issues of the overall development especially in African nations. It is no doubt that women still remain highly marginalized in all spheres of the socio-economic and political of African nations. This is more obvious when the proportion of men to women in politics and decision making position is compared. Several developments go beyond the narrow customary conceptions of their roles in family keeping and procreation and permeate all facets of the Nigerian’s economy. There must be a progressive and positive appraisal of the women folk especially in the new democratic dispensation that is fast unfolding in the country. Nigerians must accept that women are active agents of political progress and development; hence, the nation must do everything possible to help enhance women’s political leadership potentials, since the task of nation building is not gender exclusive. Women leadership organizations, government and relevant stake holders should continue to advocate for the revision of legislations to favour the protection of women from abuse, empower them economically and politically especially through the strengthening of affirmative action and allocation quotas for women in politics and decision making positions.

Keywords: African women; Nigerian women; political participation; challenges; recommendations