AN ASSESSMENT OF WOMEN IN POLITICAL PARTICIPATION IN NIGERIA FROM 1999 TO 2015

Abstract

Women constitute a substantial percentage of the country's population, yet they occupy a secondary place in relation to men counterpart politically, economically, socially and culturally. The paper uses patriarchal theory in order to have an insight into women political participation in Nigeria. This paper adopts secondary method of data collection, which involves the use of textbooks, Newspapers, magazines, internet materials and other documentary evidence. The study reveals that women have huge population, but they are not heard politically in terms of elective and appointive positions in Nigeria due to certain structural and cultural impediments, ignorance, and poverty. In the light of the above findings, the paper recommends that government should provide conducive environment to encourage women participation in decision making process of the country. This can be achieved by making sure some positions are reserved for women since they don't have the economic power, strength and education to compete with their male counterparts. The family should establish a family democratic system where the children particularly the women will be thought the act of decision making and express themselves on matters that affect them in the family and society at large. Also government should by way of law prohibit all forms of cultural practices against women to boost their confidence and performance in politics in Nigeria.