Keywords: Gender representation; gender balance; governance; Nigerian politics; women

Abstract

As of 1st October 2024, 30 women served as Heads of State and/or Government in 29 countries. Additionally, only 15 countries have women holding 50% or more of cabinet ministerial positions, while just six countries have 50% or more women in their single or lower houses of parliament. These countries include Rwanda (61%), Cuba (56%), Nicaragua (54%), Andorra (50%), Mexico (50%), New Zealand (50%), and the United Arab Emirates (50%). Therefore, achieving gender balance in governance seems farfetched. The underrepresentation of women in Nigerian politics remains a pressing issue, as women continue to face systemic barriers to political participation. This paper critically evaluates the 2023 general elections, where, despite comprising 47.5% of registered voters, women made up only 9.2% of candidates, and less than 5% were elected into major offices (INEC, 2023). Employing the feminist theory, representative theory and critical mass theory, this study explores the systemic barriers limiting women’s political participation, including patriarchal norms, high campaign costs, weak policy implementation, and electoral violence. The findings highlight persistent disparities but also progress through notable success stories, such as Aishatu Dahiru Ahmed (Binani), whose political outing challenged long-standing stereotypes. The role of advocacy groups like Women in Politics Forum (WIPF) in increasing awareness and promoting women’s political involvement is also discussed.

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Published: 2024

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