Governance and Women in Politics: A Case Study of Kogi State, Nigeria

Abstract

The incessant low levels of women’s participation in leadership is often attributed primarily to patriarchal dominance. In developing countries like Nigeria, this aspect of the social system in which the woman’s role and status are relatively recognized to be of less importance to those of a man across political, social, and economic life affects the ability of women to ascend governance positions. This study investigates the involvement and participation of women in governance in Nigeria, using Kogi State as a case study. The study is anchored on the Feminist Theory, which refers to public support and belief in equal rights for women on the grounds of gender equality. Four research questions were formulated for the study. A quantitative method was adopted for the study using questionnaires. The data were analyzed using simple percentage, frequency distribution table, mean and standard deviation. Findings revealed, among others, that the current level of women’s representation in governance in Kogi State has not been effective overtime, and that gender roles significantly influence women’s representation in Kogi State. The study concludes that women’s participation in governance has positive implications for promoting gender equality, inclusive policymaking and improved social and development outcomes. Increasing women’s representation in governance is an important requirement for sustainable development in Kogi State and Nigeria as a whole. The study therefore recommends awareness campaigns and advocacy programmes, as well as implementation of available laws by governments, stakeholders and political parties that will be effective in promoting women’s participation in governance in Kogi State.