The upcoming general election in Nigeria may bring the country closer to achieving genuine gender equality and women’s empowerment, which is a key criterion for attaining genuine democracy. Despite significant progress achieved over the years, however, women still do not have equal political representation at all levels of government.
Women’s participation in the coming general election in Nigeria
Women’s political participation is a key criterion for achieving genuine gender equality and women’s empowerment, and must first be addressed by all stakeholders, including the political parties and their candidates.
In this regard, it is important to note that although there are many laws governing the registration of women on party lists in Nigeria, they have been poorly implemented by some state governors. The result has been that many female candidates who are qualified according to their qualifications have not been listed as candidates on party lists while others who do not meet minimum requirements have been able to register with no difficulty whatsoever. This situation should therefore be rectified before any elections take place in Nigeria
Women’s participation in the coming general election in Nigeria may be expected to take a dramatic turn in Nigerian elections.
Women’s participation in the coming general election in Nigeria may be expected to take a dramatic turn.
The number of women participating in the coming general election in Nigeria may increase.
The number of women candidates running for office may also increase.
Women’s equal political participation is a key criterion for achieving genuine gender equality and women’s empowerment, and must first be addressed by all stakeholders, including the political parties and their candidates.
Women’s equal political participation is a key criterion for achieving genuine gender equality and women’s empowerment, and must first be addressed by all stakeholders, including the political parties and their candidates.
Women’s participation in Nigeria’s democratic system is essential to achieve gender equality as well as women’s empowerment. It has been argued that without such efforts at ensuring equal access to political power, no meaningful progress will be made toward women’s empowerment (UNDP 2004). The Nigerian constitution states that “the right of every citizen shall be inviolable” (Articles 6(1) & 7A(1)). However, this right has not been realized since independence due mainly because our laws do not adequately protect it after independence (Okech 2013).
The Enugu state elective council recently observed that “If there is one thing which will contribute to the defeat of all of us at the national level, it is that we do not address the issue of women’s representation. Everybody will be defeated if we do not have a proper representation of women.” Similarly, Anthony Anagho noted that “The core issues at stake in each party are the mechanism by which women can be properly represented.”
The quote is from a man, but it’s not clear if the speaker is male or female. It could be a politician, activist, NGO, or civil society group.
As we draw closer to this election, it becomes increasingly important for all Nigerians to resolve the exclusion of women from our democratic processes.
As we draw closer to this election, it becomes increasingly important for all Nigerians to resolve the exclusion of women from our democratic processes. The voice of women is essential in shaping Nigeria’s future and determining what kind of society we will be as a nation. Women must be involved in decision-making processes, whether it be political or otherwise. A woman’s voice is equally as important as that of any male citizen; therefore, she should not be excluded from voting during elections or any other type of public forum where her opinions are sought out by those in power (such as in elections).
Women have helped shape our history by contributing ideas and solutions on how best they can contribute towards development within an environment where they do not feel safe enough to express themselves freely without fear of reprisal from men seeking power over them.”
Takeaway: Women must participate equally in decision-making processes.
The 2010 General Elections were a watershed moment for women’s political participation. Women candidates won in their respective constituencies, and several female legislators were elected for the first time. However, we must not rest on our laurels here; we must continue to work towards ensuring that women participate equally in decision-making processes by ensuring that they are represented in all three branches of government: legislative; executive; judiciary (or courts).
We also need to ensure that women are represented in the electoral process by registering as voters and participating fully in elections; this includes voting themselves or being able to vote on their behalf at polling stations within their areas.
Finally, it is important that there is an active political process where women can make demands on behalf of themselves and other marginalized groups such as youth or disabled persons who may be unable to access spaces where decisions related directly impact them directly due to lack thereof access due poverty levels etcetera
Conclusion
This election will be a critical moment for the future of women in Nigeria and Nigerians at large. Women’s participation in decision-making processes must be promoted, supported, and encouraged so that they may contribute equally to the development of our country.
