Same Game, Different Participation in Nigeria: A qualitative study of (2006) National Gender Policy

Abstract

Equal participation in politics are a goal of democracy, independent of gender, race, or ethnicity. This essay contends that if these values are not given top priority and prominence in society, democracy will have failed. By examining the opinions of participants, this study assesses the implementation of the 2006 National Gender Policy in Nigeria. To learn how participants, assess the policy’s execution since it was created, the research employs a qualitative methodology. The results show that sexism, illiteracy, and a lack of strong government support are the main barriers to full implementation of the national gender policy. The policy implementation framework is hindered, as evidenced by the participants’ experiences, raising questions about its efficacy in promoting gender equality. In order to accomplish the goals of the policy, the government and other players will need to provide better support, raise awareness of the issue, and make firmer promises. The implications of these findings are examined within the social learning theory, which suggests that behavior is learned from the environment, and that people adapt by observing the consequences of their actions and the actions of others. The research reveals that social learning is critical in the implementation of gender policies, but the limited application of the policy undermines its ability to promote change. Therefore, this paper argues that there is an urgent need for comprehensive action and policy reform, aimed at addressing the limitations identified and ensuring gender equity in Nigeria.