Women Participation in Politics and National Development

Fiemotongha Christopher ,Nein Godknows

doi:10.7176/ikm/9-7-03

Abstract

The contribution of women to the socio-economic and political development of any modern democratic state is essential and indispensable. This paper examines the extent of women participation in politics and national development in Nigeria. The study adopted secondary data as sources of information. The constraints of women participation in politics pose as hindrances to national development in Nigeria. It is discernible from this study that cultural, environmental and educational factors are major barriers to active women participation in politics. It is part of the objectives of this work to realize active women participation in National political life for a sustainable National development. Government at all levels should embark on enlightenment campaign to sensitize the public on the need for more women to embrace and pursue education as this is a catalyst for active women participation in politics. It is also recommended that coercive legislations should be made at all levels against every form of discrimination against women. Keywords : participation, politics, National development. DOI : 10.7176/IKM/9-7-03 Publication date : August 31 st 2019

Highlights

Women are homemakers and centre of the family, they are custodian of social, cultural and fundamental values of society and permanent change are often best achieved through them, full community development is not possible without their outstanding cooperation and effective participation (Omoruyi et al 2008).No doubt, the participation and contributions of women to the political and socio-economic development of any democratic state is immeasurable, women have not taken their rightful place in the political and national life of Nigeria
Nigerian women have been faced with numerous constraints, militating against them in the political arena, beaming from the first republic, though the fourth republic has been seen as a new dawn for women participation in politics as it has more women in government both elective and positions of appointments
This paper introduced the study, the participation of women in politics and the constraints facing them. It evaluated some of the contributions of women to politics and national development

Summary

Introduction

Women are homemakers and centre of the family, they are custodian of social, cultural and fundamental values of society and permanent change are often best achieved through them, full community development is not possible without their outstanding cooperation and effective participation (Omoruyi et al 2008).No doubt, the participation and contributions of women to the political and socio-economic development of any democratic state is immeasurable, women have not taken their rightful place in the political and national life of Nigeria. Despite the fact that women are engrossed with domestic activities at the home front, they have contributed immensely to national development right from the pre-independence period to date. Women made immense contributions to national development both in precolonial and post-colonial period, and this has been affirmed by various governments, who have made pronouncements of correcting the imbalance, though more in theory than in practice.

Results

Conclusion