Information Accessibility and Use as Correlates of Women Political Participation in the Niger Delta Region of Nigeria

Abstract

Information is a crucial ingredient for political participation. A lack of relevant, accurate and timely information may lead to poor or non-participation in the political process. Women in Nigeria are known for their low level participation in politics. Demographically they are more than men but their number fails to be translated to political strength. Recent survey shows that women constitute majority of voters but score very minimal success in political gains. They occupy very scanty leadership positions and are grossly underrepresented in the strategic height of politics. Women are also checked by cultural and traditional definitions. This paper concludes that lack of relevant information is responsible for this unwholesome state of their political position being so highly circumscribed. The paper recommends development of policies and intervention strategies that will improve the political information environment of women bringing about a more inclusive representative governance with implication for sustainable structural change leading to the generation of a more participative society.