Globalization and women in governance in Nigeria: 2015 - 2022

Abstract

Governance is the process of decision-making and the ways in which decisions are implemented (or not). In any given system, the government is the major actor, but others can influence the process. This where the inclusion of women is solicited for. Women are still struggling for equal treatment and participation in political affairs in many countries. Whether it is access to healthcare, education, the  labour market or political rights, women often receive less of a share than men. And yet, women make vital contributions to society that men often take no part in. These barriers women face are present at the individual, institutional and socio-cultural levels. For example, at the individual level, women who are actually equally qualified as men talk themselves out of running for office because of stereotypes. At the institutional level, political organizations like parties and legislatures remain unwelcoming to female colleagues. At the socio-cultural level, the representation by the media of women in leadership, still tends to focus on what they wear, their marital status or their voices, as opposed to their policy positions or competence. Globalization has further entrenched in some aspects the subjugation of women economically. It is hoped that with globalization women will enjoy more options in income-producing employment; more employment opportunities mean that there are more ways of breaking off from unequal relations; such options entrust women with greater opportunities to take their work and skills elsewhere. Different feminist theories were discussed as  regards women’s participation in the democratic space and society at large. The Radical Feminist theory speaks to the research study. The paper is mainly qualitative and descriptive. The recommendations aver to more inclusion of Women in the Nigerian democratic system.