ABSTRACT
This research was
embarked on to evaluate gender and politics and women in politics in Nigeria
with special interest in Enugu State 1999-2016. The study formulated three
objectives and three research questions to navigate the study. The major
limitation to this study was that women participation in politics in Enugu
State has no much record for use for analysis. In the literature review, the
study looks at empirical study of women participation in politics. The study
adopted feminist political theory as a theoretical framework and expos facto
design as its methodology. The study used secondary data as method of data
collection and content analysis as method of data analysis. Afterword, the study found out in gender
discrimination, politics should be reserved only for women who have come up of
age and do not have much house chores. This according to the study brings about
women career adjustment in other to rescue home situation and that of politics.
The study recommends that in other to defeat the cultural factor that hinder
women in participating in politics there should be mass education of women and
gender enlightenment campaign that will create a balance of gender sensitivity
in policy and political decision making.
CHAPTER ONE
INTRODUCTION
1.1
Background of Study
One of the
fundamental challenges confronting women in every political system centers on
the pervasive phenomenon of political alienation and domination of women by
their male counterpart. From the local to global level, women’s leadership and
political participation are restricted. Women are underrepresented as voters,
as well as in leading positions whether in elected offices, the civil service,
the private sector or academician. This occurs despite their proven abilities
as leaders and agents of change and their right to participate equally in
democratic governance. Women face several obstacles to participating in
political life. Structural barriers through discriminatory laws and
institutions still limit women’s options to run for offices. Over the years,
the debilitating condition of gender inequality and discrimination against
women in political participation and representation has given rise to the
agitation for empowerment to enable an increase in their levels of political
participation all over the world. In this regard, empowerment implies the
creation of an enabling environment where individuals can fully use their
capabilities to take charge of their lives. Women empowerment therefore, means
investing in women’s right with legal backing, moral and financial support to
enable women function effectively. Women empowerment also involves assessment
of women’s needs and designing programmes to address those needs.
The
increasing agitations for gender equality have raised intense academic
discourse on poor participation of women in politics all over the world
(Peterson & Ruyan, 1999: 48 & Akinboye, 2004:233). Women’s low
political participation is a universal phenomenon (Waylen, 1996:11; Akinboye,
op.cit:233; Lewu, 2005:62 &Rai, 2005). However the imperative of women
participation in democratic governance cannot be over emphasized (Amadiume,
1997:81; Bruce, 2004:113; Babatunde, 2003; Bari, 2005). Sustainable democracy
relies upon the equality and complementary participation of men and women in
the conduct of the affairs of society through political processes (Sodaro,
2001:247, Anifowose, 2004:205; Akiyode-Afolabi&Arogundade, 2003). However,
despite widespread democratization in most countries, women record poor
participation in politics and decision making process across the world (Waylen,
op.cit:10; Pokam, 2006;
Henderson, 2006; Pascaud-Becane, 1999; Babatunde, op.cit; Anifowose, op.cit:204
& Bari, op.cit).
In Nigeria, although women constitute half the
national population, the average representation of women in national politics
has hardly ever been more than 3% (Ajayi, 2007:138; IPU, 2007; Nigeria CEDAW
NGO Coalition Shadow Report, 2008). The challenge of women’s participation in
Nigeria’s politics became worrisome following the country’s return to democracy
in 1999. With the transfer of power from the military regime to a civilian
democratic administration, one had expected a substantial improvement in
women’s political participation in the country. On the contrary, the percentage increase in women’s political participation were 2%, 4%
and 6% and women representation in the
national parliament, 6.3%, 8.8% and 7.3% in 1999, 2003 and 2007 elections
respectively (Okocha, 2007; Akioyede-Afolabietal, 2003; The Nigeria CEDAW NGO
Coalition Shadow Report, op.cit:3 & Adu, 2008:27). It is obvious therefore,
that the perception that democracy would automatically boost women’s political
involvement in Nigeria has not been validated after several years of its return
to civilian rule.
The foregoing indicated
that alongside men’s political association in most parts of Nigeria,
particularly in Igbo society, like in Enugu State, women also had their own
well organized political groups which were solely managed by women leaders in
various communities. For instance, in Enugu State, the Umuada at the community
and village levels had appreciable political and economic influence through
established associations that are well managed and solely run by them. “Their
powers and influence go beyond issues that affect trade to issues of governance
at the state level. Igbo women’s movement and some others in Southern Nigeria
have struggled to maintain some respectable level of power and influence in
their communities” (Garba, 1999:2).Women can be described as an indispensable
group in the development of any nation. Women constitute a critical segment of
the Nigerian population. Thus, “the population of women in the present day is
estimated to over 55% of the total population of this country,” (Yahaya, 1999:132).
Apart from their numerical strength, women have great potentials necessary to
evolve a new economic order, to accelerate social and political development and
constantly transforming the society into a better one.
Women are active in the
agriculture and economic sectors of the society and have also contributed
immensely to the decolonization and general development of Nigerian state.
Olawoye (1985:18), describes Nigerian women “as a crucial factor of
production”. According to him, women assume this status because they are
largely responsible for the bulk production of crops, agro-base food
processing, preservation of crops and distribution of yields from farm centers
to urban areas”. Awe (1990:9), perceived the importance of women from their
role as managers of home. She noted that “the peace and stability at homes
depends largely on the managerial abilities of women folk. She stressed further
that women, especially the mothers, plan, organize, direct and coordinated all
the resources of the home both human and materials to the benefits of all the
members of the family including their husbands”. Some of them occupy strategic
positions in the governments where they have continued to prove their good
character. For instance, “Dora Akunyili, Oby Ezekwesili of Due process fame,
NdiOkereke Onyiuke, Ngozi OkonjoIwuala and Ambassador (Mrs.) Justina Eze, among
others have undoubtedly distinguished themselves in their official assignments”
(Okafor, 2010:9).
Notwithstanding, in Enugu
State today, the issue of women empowerment and political representation have
been a bone of contention. Since the advent of modern public administration in
Enugu State, Cultural factors among others, have been a serious source of
problems against the development of women politically and have continued to
militate against the development and prominence of Enugu State women in their
roles in politics. Enugu state politics and government have been dominated by
men at all levels, not because there are no women fit to fill the positions but
because most women think of political participation as irrelevant for them.
Among the factors inhibiting women to take active part in political behaviors
such as voting and contesting in elections is lack of proper enlightenment
about politics and financial dependence among other factors.
It is therefore, in recognition of the above facts that gave light
to the background of this study of Gender and politics participation in Enugu
State between 1999 and 2016 and to seek ways on how to engender a balance in
the political affairs of the state.
1.2
Statement of the Problem
Historical
evidences in many societies, both during the ancient and modern periods support
the idea of male domination over their female folks in many spheres of human
endeavor. The literature on the subjugation of women to men’s domination knows
no bound with such literature covering wide range of issues, including the
body, class and work, disability, the family, globalization, human rights,
culture, race and racism, reproduction, science, the self, sex, work, human
trafficking and sexuality. Throughout ages and virtually in all cultures, women
were rarely considered equal to their male counterparts. From the home as
daughter, wife, and mother, through the school, office and church as student,
employee and worshiper respectively, to the public sphere of life as in
business and politics, women are known to have been discriminated, marginalized
and dominated through the combination of gender-based cultural norms and
practices which were in favour of men.
Since 1999 when the present civilian
government came into power after a long period of military regime, women
politicians in Enugu state like their other counterparts in other part of the
federation have continued to express dismay over the low participation and
alienation of women in the politics of the state. Consequently, in 2003 a
female governorship aspirant, lauretta Aniagolu joined the race for the seat of
governor in Enugu state. Unfortunately she was maneuvered in the party primary
of the united Nigeria people party. She later joined the national conscience
party and was defeated by her fellow aspirant Chimaroke Nnamani.
Therefore,
the gap of the problem is on the issue of cultural disadvantage which might
have impacted negatively on the women’s participation in politics and all
sphere of life.
At best, women
were strategically, through several means including cultural exclusion, reduced
to the second fiddle offices of ‘deputy’ and ‘vice’. This development has
raised several questions which remained largely unanswered, and has equally
attracted many gender-related studies and intellectual discourse on
gender-related matters. Against this background, this paper attempts to address
some of these questions and thus, constitutes a gap-filling or gap-bridging in
the ever increasing literature on gender studies in Nigeria.
1.3 Research Questions
To be able
to find out the reason why women lag behind in political participation in Enugu
state, the following questions have been put down as a guide.
1.
Has gender been a barrier to
political participation in Enugu State
2.
Has cultural factors
enforced the discrimination and marginalization against women over political
participation in Enugu State?
3.
Has money politic hindered
women participation to elective political offices in Enugu state from 1999 to
2016?
1.4 Objectives of the Study
The objectives of the
study include:
1.
To ascertain gender as a
barrier in political participation in Enugu State?
2.
To identify the cultural
disadvantages associated with the women absence in participation in politics
with their male counter parts.
3.
To identify if the income status of women
which hinders them from participating in elective offices in Enugu state between
1999 to 2016.
1.5 Significance of the Study
This study is designed to provide
useful information and solution to the problems surrounding women participation
in politics in Enugu state. It will correct all the notion and misconception
that people of Enugu state have in terms of women and politics. The result of
the study will make citizens of Enugu to understand that political
participation is a civil obligation where both male and female have equal right
and not meant for males alone.
This study will provide
Nigerian women with the fundamental reliability and understanding of the women
and political participation in Enugu state, thereby keeping them informed on
the mechanisms suitable for the promotion of gender equality in political
participation. Thus, this work will also be more beneficial to women, especially
those who are aspiring for political positions. It will serve as a basis for
building structures that will promote the aspirations of women on gender
equality in political participation, this research work will also be beneficial
to policy makers in general, thereby including more women into the decision
making process.
Finally, this study will help to restore confidence in women,
thereby building a sense of belonging in them to collaborate with their male
counterpart in driving the economy of the state and also give reasons and hope
to women for a better turn-up in political matters or issues.
1.6 Clarification of
key concepts
The purpose of conceptual
clarification is to clearly define terminologies to aid understanding for the
purpose of this work. The following concepts will be defined for better
understanding.
Gender: gender refers to the socially constructed roles, behavior,
activities and attributes a particular society considers appropriate for men
and women.
Gender Inequality: gender inequality refers to disparity between
individuals due to gender
Women; women can be seen as an adult female person
Women’s Right: these are inalienable, integral and indivisible
parts of universal human rights
Women Empowerment: this refers to the provision and availability of
opportunity and services which enables women to actively participate and
contribute to political, economic, social and cultural development of the
nation.
Discrimination against women: discrimination is the
practice of treating somebody or a particular group less fairly than the
others. Discrimination of women stands as the practice of treating women less
fairly than men in the society.
Politics: politics is the seizure of state power,
consolidation of state power and usage of state power. It is also the art of
governing especially the governing of a political entity such as a nation and
the administration and control of its internal and external affairs.
Alienation: the concept of alienation is defined as the
state of being withdrawn or isolated. It could be denying of someone’s right.
Culture: culture is defined as people’s way of life which includes
their way of dressing, dancing, cooking, eating, greeting and speaking.
Political participation: political participation is a voluntary act
which encompasses wide range of political activities, including voting at
election, contesting for political and party offices, attending political
rallies, joining political parties and many more.
Involvement; to engage in the interest of something.
1.7 Hypotheses
1. Gender inequality a barrier to political
participation in Enugu state 1999-2016?
2. Cultural factors enforced discrimination
and marginalization against women over
political participation 1999-2016?
3. Money politics hindered women
participation to contest for political offices in Enugu state 1999-2016?
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