WOMEN AND POLITICAL PARTICIPATION IN NIGERIA (A CASE STUDY OF EGOR LOCAL GOVERNMENT AREA)

CHAPETR ONE

INTRODUCTION 

1.1        Background of the study

1.2        Statement of problem

1.3        Objective of the study

1.4        Research Hypotheses

1.5        Significance of the study

1.6        Scope and limitation of the study

1.7       Definition of terms

1.8       Organization of the study

CHAPETR TWO

LITERATURE REVIEW

CHAPETR THREE

3.0        Research methodology

3.1    sources of data collection

3.3        Population of the study

3.4        Sampling and sampling distribution

3.5        Validation of research instrument

3.6        Method of data analysis

CHAPTER FOUR

DATA PRESENTATION AND ANALYSIS AND INTERPRETATION

4.1 Introductions

4.2 Data analysis

CHAPTER FIVE

5.1 Introduction

5.2 Summary

5.3 Conclusion

5.4 Recommendation

Appendix

 

 

Abstract

This study is on the role of women in Nigeria politics. A case study of Egor local government area of Edo state. The total population for the study is 200 staff of Egor local government area of Edo state. The researcher used questionnaires as the instrument for the data collection. Descriptive Survey research design was adopted for this study. A total of 133 respondents made up heads of department, counselors, senior staff and junior staff was used for the study. The data collected were presented in tables and analyzed using simple percentages and frequencies

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 CHAPTER ONE

INTRODUCTION

• Background of the study

It has been established that the development of any country requires the participation of both men and women.  There is global recognition that gender equality in political participation is a fundamental aspect of modern democratic governance. It is expected that both men and women should have equal rights and opportunities to participate fully in all aspects and at all levels of political processes. But in practice, women face challenges and the number of women in leadership and decision making positions is abysmally low. Meanwhile, it has been proven that countries with increased women’s participation in politics and leadership position tend to be more inclusive, egalitarian and democratic. Over the years women have been relegated to the background in issues of the overall development especially in the developing nations like Nigeria. Women participation in politics over the years has taken a new shape and stages. However, the leadership role and political actionism by women has not just started in Africa, according to history. As far as the late 19^thcentury, Oakley (1982), Queen Saraumiya Amina was well known as a leader of the people of Zaria especially in her role in warding away the Kwara-Offa invaders.

According to Adeyinka (2001) Ransome Kuti Funlayo in the 1940s also led by the Egba women in Abeokuta protesting against unreasonable taxation and exploitation of women. She also formed the Nigeria women society. Her first Major step in the political carrier was the formation of Abeokuta ladies club in 1944, which aimed at doing charity work raising the standard of womanhood in Abeokuta by encouraging adult education.

The pre-Beijing activism also saw the establishment of the national women’s movement, led by chief (Mrs.) Adegoke through whom Nigerian women’s problem were first taken to international forum in forum Montreal, Canada in 1952. Oluwole (1999). The movement which led to the establishment of the National Council of Women’s Society (NCWS) in 1958 also attended another forum in Helsinky Finland in 1958: Halkin and Bay (1972:39) argued that Nigeria women had wielded political power before the advent of colonial rule. To them, Africa women lost political as well as economic status under colonialism. The writing of Leacock (1962:41) Kodney (1972:248) aid Burserup has categorically asserted that colonialism resulted in the determination of the status of women relative to that of women.

Several investigations have cited particularly area in which impendent female participation has deteriorated as a result of colonial influence. This damage done to the status of women at the onset of colonial rule has lead to assumption of women in terrorist in the public decision making Mrs. Olujunmi, e.t.c. also became the speaker of house of representation in 2007, although she was later impeached and replaced by male counterparts. Hon Dimeji Bankole.

Dr. Chief (Mrs.) Erelu Obada is also serving as deputy governor of Osun state in 2003 till 2010 however, most of these activities never involved the rural women to the level it attained when the better life programme was introduced. The programme which was originally named better life for rural women, spear head by Mrs. Mariam Babangida, wife of the Nigerian former military president, was one of the Babangida government strategists toward integrating women into development. The programme was later changed from better life programme (BLP) to better life for rural dweller Olagunju (2001).

By implication, an Africa woman who has neither had the opportunity to cross the borders of the continent nor studied, what happening in their places would think that women oppression or low participation on the role of leadership and decision making is only limited to the Africa continent alone.

The difference is that, in other hands, the issue of diversity is viewed critically and legally too and diversity covers all form of discrimination on sexy tribes, race, colour or even age, so even in America, women are withdrawing Africans believes that women are only meant for the kitchen and to be mother of their children, while the men out to cater for the family well-being. There are still few Africans sub-cultural situations where the husband sits at home drinking local wine early in the morning while sending the wife and children to the farm to cultivate and harvest.

Due to the fact that Africans belief that politics is only meant for men alone, women they become ignorant in the area of politics and so doing they are seen as prostitutes, irresponsible and adulterous among other are the name given to the women in the society this various name given to those women made them to lose their marriage

Also, on political scene, one female senator each princess Franca Afegbua and senator Kofoworola, Bucknor Akerele emerged in the second and third republic politics in 1983 respectively.

Infact, Kerele Bucknor became the deputy governor of Lagos state in the politics of the fourth republic in 1999.

Alhaja Latifat Okunu and Sinatu Ojikutu once occupied that position of deputy governor, although under military regime notable women in the society contested with over 300 men for the exalted state governorship in the third republic but none of them was elected.

But ministerial positions were reserved for them both at the state and federal leve3l past holders of these positions include Mrs. Ebun Kuforiji Olubi, Mrs. Nike Akande and Mrs. Iyabo Awolowo among others.

All at the federal level. Then Mrs. Chris Anyanwu, Chief (Mrs.) Chinwe Iyijoba, Mrs. Eniola Fadayomi and Chief Mrs. Toyin Akerele. Ayeni among others at the state level and currently in the fourth republic there are several female commissioners at state level and at the federal level. There are women ministers and advisers and even women ambassador.

This is borne out of the sentimental attachment on feminine gender. Historical evidences are available to prove that the Nigerian women have for long been playing crucial role in political life of the country, and this has contributed in no small measure in shaping the political system of the nation. For development of any kind to be successful, a vantage position should be accorded the women, as they constitute larger proportion of the population. In this regard, they should not be left out in the issues of decision making that bothers even on their lives as a people. Today, women are participating more actively in political issues than ever before as a result of political re-awakening and awareness. More often than not, they are besieged with challenges of which discrimination is more rife. Majority of the men more on chauvinistic disposition are preoccupied with the notion that decision making is exclusively for the men folk while women are to be instructed on what to do. This idea of seeing the women playing the number two role at homes has come to play itself out in the political life of the people. And this ought not to be so with regards to the ever dynamic nature of things globally as women are now seeing in other communities as avant-garde in developed nations. It is surprising that the same mindset of yester years is still what is obtained in our country. Despite the difficulties faced by women in politics, they continue with their political ambition, contributing enormously to the political and national development in their own way as the challenges militating against them are not present, although Nigeria is yet to have a female president.  Women over the years could be said to have recorded some measure of appreciable political achievement in other political fields of endeavors, meeting their political objectives with limited support and resources at their disposal. In 1957 during the pre-independence era of Nigeria, a couple of women political activists such as, Mrs. Margaret Ekpo, Mrs. Janet Mokelu and Ms. Young were members of the Eastern House of Assembly.  The late Mrs. Funmilayo Ransome-Kuti, though not a full-fledged politician, was a very strong force to reckon with in the politics of the Western Region.  And Hajia Gambo Sawaba waged a fierce battle for the political and cultural emancipation of women in the North. One can say that women have always played viable political roles in Nigeria in spite of all the limitations and encumbrances. The Babangida era marked a turning point in the history of women struggle in Nigeria, when Maryam Babangida institutionalized the office of the first lady in 1987. She became the first working First Lady and launched the “Better Life for Rural Women” program. Other women who have made impact in the country’s political scene include, Mrs. Ngozi Okonjo Iweala former minister of finance, who saved the nation records of billions of Naira as a result of her hard working nature as a public officer. Mrs. Obi Ezekwesili also laid a land mark in the history of Nigeriapolitics. Prof.. Dora Akunyili, the NAFDAC boss has also performed credibly; leading the fight against adulterated pharmaceutical drugs, her name can never be forgotten in the annals of history.  There are myriads of women in politics even presently that have done very well and are still performing excellently well. Liberia’s head of state Ellen Johnson Sir-leaf has made history as Africa’s first female president. In the United States, Senator Hillary Clinton has made a positive impact in America’s politics. Also the Republican Party’s presidential candidate John McCain picked a woman – Sarah Palin, the Governor of Alaska as his running mate for the U.S election. This could be seen as the strong factor women constitute in the political parlance of any nation. Today, many countries of the world are making efforts to bridge the gap between men and women in politics. But in Nigerian the representation of women in Government even though has improved than before is still very low compared to what obtains in other nations of the world, particularly in the developed nations. The representation of women in the last republic, 2003 election, was poor only 3 women made it to 109 members senate house, while 21 were elected in 360 members lower house of representatives. As it were, the number of serving female Ministers is still very few. There is no doubt that women have some potentials and rights to contribute meaningfully to the development of their country. Therefore, the Nigerian government should work towards achieving gender equality in democratic governance, increase women participation and access to politics. It must be realized that the role of women as home makers cannot be down played in that it equally has an extended impact on their responsibility in service, the women touch anywhere cannot be matched.

 1.2 STATEMENT OF PROBLEM

Despite the difficulties faced by women in politics, they continue with their political ambition, contributing enormously to the political and national development in their own way as the challenges militating against them are not present, although Nigeria is yet to have a female president.  Women over the years could be said to have recorded some measure of appreciable political achievement in other political fields of endeavors, meeting their political objectives with limited support and resources at their disposal. In this background the researcher wants to investigate the role of women in politics. A case study of Egor local government area.

1.3 OBJECTIVE OF THE STUDY

The objectives of the study are;

1. To ascertain the role of women in Nigeria politics
2. Explore ways of ensuring full participation of women in Nigeria government
3. Examine the relationship between women and Nigeria government

 

• RESEARCH HYPOTHESES

For the successful completion of the study, the following research hypotheses were formulated by the researcher;

H₀: there are no roles of women in Nigeria politics

H₁: there are roles of women in Nigeria politics

H₀²: there is no relationship between women and Nigeria government

H₂: there is relationship between women and Nigeria government.

1.5 SIGNIFICANCE OF THE STUDY

The study brings clear insight on role of women in Nigeria politics. The study will be of benefit to women, government and political parties. Finally the research work will be of help to scholars who wish to carry further research on role of women in Nigeria politics as the material of the work will be of great importance for enquiries.

1.6 SCOPE AND LIMITATION OF THE STUDY

The scope of the study covers the role of women in Nigeria politics. The researcher encounters some constrain which limited the scope of the study;

1. a) AVAILABILITY OF RESEARCH MATERIAL: The research material available to the researcher is insufficient, thereby limiting the study
2. b) TIME: The time frame allocated to the study does not enhance wider coverage as the researcher has to combine other academic activities and examinations with the study.
3. c) Organizational privacy: Limited Access to the selected auditing firm makes it difficult to get all the necessary and required information concerning the activities.

1.7 DEFINITION OF TERMS

ROLE: A role is a set of connected behaviors, rights, obligations, beliefs, and norms as conceptualized by people in a social situation

WOMAN: A woman is a female human being. The term woman is usually reserved for an adult, with the term girl being the usual term for a female child or adolescent.

POLITICS: Politics is the process of making decisions that apply to members of a group. It refers to achieving and exercising positions of governance — organized control over a human community, particularly a state.

1.8 ORGANIZATION OF THE STUDY

This research work is organized in five chapters, for easy understanding, as follows

Chapter one is concern with the introduction, which consist of the (overview, of the study), historical background, statement of problem, objectives of the study, research hypotheses, significance of the study, scope and limitation of the study, definition of terms and historical background of the study. Chapter two highlights the theoretical framework on which the study is based, thus the review of related literature. Chapter three deals on the research design and methodology adopted in the study. Chapter four concentrate on the data collection and analysis and presentation of finding.  Chapter five gives summary, conclusion, and recommendations made of the study

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