1. The Current Gender Gap in Nigerian Politics
A quick glance at Nigeria’s electoral history reveals a systemic exclusion of women. Out of the 109 seats in the Senate, only 3 are occupied by women. Similarly, the House of Representatives has only 17 women out of 360 members. At the state level, female governors are almost non-existent, with only a few historical exceptions. This level of underrepresentation is not due to a lack of capable women but rather institutional and socio-cultural barriers that hinder their political participation.
2. Democracy Without Women is Incomplete
A truly democratic system ensures that all voices are heard and represented. Excluding women from governance means that policies and laws are often designed without adequate consideration for half of the population. Gender quotas serve as a corrective measure to bridge this gap, ensuring that women have a guaranteed space in decision-making processes.
3. Addressing Structural Barriers
Women in Nigeria face significant structural barriers when seeking political office. These include:
• Cultural and societal norms that discourage women from pursuing leadership roles.
• Financial constraints, as politics in Nigeria is highly monetized, making it difficult for women to compete against their male counterparts.
• Party structures that are male-dominated and often unwilling to support female candidates.
• Violence and intimidation, which deter women from actively engaging in politics.
Gender quotas provide a framework to dismantle these barriers by compelling political parties and institutions to actively support female candidates.
-AY Nigeria 🇳🇬
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