Women, Political Participation and Decision Making in Nigeria Since Independence

Abstract

Since the independence of Nigeria, women heritage of constructive participation in and contributions to societal development continued in their various ascribed and achieved roles to contribute to development in Nigeria. However, development since independence has led to even more marginalization of women especially in the political sphere. After independence, mass political action by women dwindled. The acrimonious politics of the post-independence era, the bitter rivalries of the ethnic-based and personality dominated political parties and the paternalistic nature of their organization became detrimental to women participation. While some women continued to play important roles in the women wings of the major political parties and a few won elections to the different Houses of State Assemblies, women have been hemmed in by traditional and cultural constraints and barriers. Despite the political setback experienced at National and State levels, women political relevance increased at community level. During the various military regimes that swept through the Nigerian State after independence, women continued to participate in different organizations set-up by the wives of the Heads of State. All these organizations were formed to empower the women economically and politically. Therefore, the author seeks to examine women political participation and decision-making in Nigeria since independence. This is due to the fact that more Nigerian women today have come to view discrimination in politics as unjust but remediable.