Sociology | Higher education » Mrs. M.M. Afolabi - Scaling Inclement Hurdles to Women Participation in nigerian Politics

Source: http://www.doksinet SCALING INCLEMENT HURDLES TO WOMEN PARTICIPATION IN NIGERIAN POLITICS: A PRAGMATIC APPROACH BY MRS. MM AFOLABI CENTRE FOR GENDER AND SOCIAL POLIC STUDIES OBAFEMI AWOLOWO UNIVERSITY ILE-IFE, NIGERIA ABSTRACT Politics, the art and science of governance is a very important activity in every human society. It ensures that human beings are governed in such ways that there is orderliness and development in society. It ensures that human, natural and economic resources are controlled by few people who are versed in the acts of management, on behalf and in the interest of the generality of the people. In order to take care of all human interests, the two genders are supposed to be fully engaged in politics. In Nigeria the political arena is largely dominated by the male gender, often to the detriment of the female. This paper traces the history of female participation in political affairs in Nigeria, from the pre-colonial traditional societies, to the modern

times. It identifies such reasons as patriarchy, conventional responsibilities of women in society, militarization and monetization of politics as factors responsible for scarcity of female politicians in the Nigerian political arena. It concludes by identifying concrete and pragmatic ways by which female involvement in Nigerian politics could be heightened. Source: http://www.doksinet INTRODUCTION Politics is very important in every human society. It is a system of administration that ensures that there is orderliness and development in society. It ensures that human, natural and economic resources are controlled by few people who are versed in the acts of management, on behalf of the generality of the people. These are of course positions of responsibility that confer on the holders, certain rights, authorities and priviledges above their peers, who willy-nilly have to submit themselves to the authorities of the politicians. In order to take care of all human interests, the two

genders are supposed to be fully engaged in politics. The reverse is the case in Nigeria where the political arena is largely dominated by the male gender, often to the detriment of the female. The result is a “malevolent” militarization of politics in Nigeria Participation in politics refers to different ways in which people exercise their rights over the political process. It is seen as a means to an end, where the end may be referred to as political leadership. Milbrath (1955) sees it as ranging from voting to taking part in decision process, attendance at political meetings, funding and holding public and party offices. Participation according to him involves discussion, debate, and lobbying (both formally and informally). The concept of participation lies in the culture of democracy. The first principle of democracy adopted by the Council of the Inter-Parliamentary Union, Cairo, 16 September 1997, is stated as being: “.a universally recognized ideal as well as a goal, which

is based on common values shared by peoples throughout the world community irrespective of cultural, political, social and economic differences. It is thus a basic right of citizenship to be exercised under conditions of freedom, equality, transparency and 2 Source: http://www.doksinet responsibility, with due respect for the plurality of views, and the interest of the polity.” This concept gives room to every human being to have right to share in the making of decisions that affect their lives and that of their community. This right was affirmed by the establishment of the Commission on the Status of Women (to promote women’s political and economic rights) by the United Nations in 1946. The year 1952 saw the adoption of the Convention on Political Rights of Women world wide, and in 1967 the Convention for the Elimination of all forms of Discrimination Against Women (CEDAW) was endorsed. This convention is upheld by all international, regional and national legal

instruments that concern children and women, such as the Convention on the Right of Child (CRC) and the Organization of African Unity (OAU) Charter on the Rights and Welfare of the child. It also includes the National Policy on Women (NPW) adopted by the Federal Government of Nigeria in July 2000. With the ratification of CEDAW in 1985, Nigeria undertook to work towards the elimination of discrimination against women and girls in all fields, whether political, economic, social or cultural. Since the adoption of this policy by the government, very little improvement in the exercise of women’s rights has been witnessed. The Beijing Conference of 1995 on women articulated some areas crucial to the empowerment of women. These include poverty, education, healthcare, violence against women, effects of conflict on women, power-sharing and decision-making mechanisms to promote the advancement of women, management of natural resources and the environment and the girl child. The Beijing

Platform for Action made concrete plans to ensure women’s equal access to and full participation in power structures as one of its strategic objectives. It also affirms the need to increase women’s capacity to participate in leadership and decision-making processes and bodies. One of the key initiatives in this on-going process was the Security Council Resolution 1325, which urged member States to ensure increased representation of women at all decision-making 3 Source: http://www.doksinet levels in national, regional and international institutions and mechanisms for the prevention, management, and resolution of conflict (UN, 2000As/1325). On the African continent, the First Regional Conference on the Integration of Women Development was held in Nouakchott, Mauritania in 1977. The second Regional Conference on women took place in Lusaka, Zambia in 1979. The third Conference (1984) held in Arusha, Tanzania, while the fourth Conference was held in Abuja, Nigeria in 1989. The 1989

conference adopted a declaration on participatory development with the theme “The Role of Women in African in the 1990s”. In Dakar, Senegal, the fifth Regional Conference prepared the Agenda on African issues in 1995, preparatory to the Beijing platform. In 1994, the Pan- African Women’s Liberation Organisation (AWLO) was established by the 7th Pan African Congress in Kampala, Uganda. At the National level in Nigeria, several Conferences, Workshops and Organisations have been initiated to foster women political participation and gender sensitization. Politics in Nigeria Modern politics started in Nigeria in 1960 when the British colonial masters handed over power to Nigerians. Before this period, there were local political systems which people used to govern themselves. (Mba, 1982; Afonja, 1989; Awe, 1992; Johnson-Odim and Mba, 1997;) In the old traditional setting, there were traditional councils. In these councils women representation is usually not more than one or two in the

cabinet. The function of these women is to take care of the interest of women. In Yorubaland the women representative may be Iyalode (representative of women in general) or Iyaloja who is the head of the market women. Sometimes the two roles are combined in one woman. In the Hausa and Igbo settings women play minor or no roles in the administration of the society. So marginalization of women in politics is old in Nigeria Evidence however shows that in pre-colonial traditional societies, women were given responsibilities and they took part in political affairs in society as is evident in this table. 4 Source: http://www.doksinet Table1 Statistics of Women Traditional Rulers in the Pre-Colonial Days S/N NAME 1 2 Luwo Gbadiaya Iyayun 3. TYPE RULERSHIP DATE Ooni of Ife Oyo Ife Central Osun L.G Oyo L.G Oyo Pre-colonial days Pre-colonial days Orompoto Oyo Oyo L.G Oyo Alaafin Pre-colonial days 4 Jomijomi Oyo Oyo L.G Oyo Alaafin Pre-colonial days 5 Jepojepo Oyo

Oyo L.G Oyo Alaafin Pre-colonial days 6 Zazzau - Zaria Emir 7 Queen Amina Daura Daura Katsina Queen 8 Kofono Daura Katsina Queen 9 Eye-Moin Akure Daura Emirate Daura Emirate Akure Ondo Regent/Monarch 10 Ayo-Ero Akure Akure Ondo Regent/Monarch 11 Gulfano Daura Katsina Queen 12 Yawano Daura Daura Emirate Daura Emirate Katsina Queen Pre-colonial days Pre-colonial days Pre-colonial days Pre-colonial days (1705-1735AD) Pre-colonial days (1850-51AD) Pre-colonial days Pre-colonial days 13 Yakania Daura Katsina Queen 14 Walsam Daura Katsina Queen 15 Cadar Daura Katsina Queen 16 Agagri Daura Daura Emirate Daura Emirate Daura Emirate Daura Emirate Bonny L.G Katsina Queen Rivers Queen 17 TOWN OR VILAGE Ife Queen Bonny Kanbasa Source: Olasupo, F.A 2006 L.GA STATE Alaafin Pre-colonial days Pre-colonial days Pre-colonial days Pre-colonial days Pre-colonial days 5 Source: http://www.doksinet Even in modern traditional

society, women are given certain responsibilities in the governance of society. Traditional culture, norms, and values of society allow women to take part in political administration at local, traditional levels. This is evident in table II It is important to note that women who take part in these traditional roles are opportuned to do so because of the special privilege of belonging to royal families and being heirs to the throne. The positions are not open to every woman in society. 6 Source: http://www.doksinet Table II Statistics of Present Women Rulers at the Local Level in Nigeria S/N NAME TOWN OR L.GA STATE TYPE OF DATE VILLAGE RULERSHIP 1. 2. Hajia Muhammed Kumbada Princess Akure Adeyinka Adesida 3. Princess Akungba Adejoke Akoko Adesida 4. Princess Ifira-Akoko Joke Adesunloye 5. Princess Iye Akoko Janet Adigun 6. Princess Ire-Ekiti Ade Gbolarin 7. Princess AyegbajuFehintola Ekiti Omolewo 8. Princess Oloje-Ekti Bosede Elizabeth Fadiya 9. Princess Oke-Ora (Mrs.) Ekiti

Adenike Oluwole 10. Princess Ifisin-Ekiti Ayobami Dada 11. Princess Ido-Ekiti (Mrs) G.A Olatilu 12. Princess Iyin-Ekiti Adeola Adeosun 13. Princes Erin-Ijesha Adeola Adeosun Source: Olasupo, F.A 2006 Munya L.G Substantive women traditional Ruler Regent 20012004 Akoko Ondo South West L.G Akoko Ondo South East L.G Akoko Ondo North L.G Regent 2002 to 4 years date Regent 2001 to 5 years date Regent 2003 to 3 years date Oye L.G Ekiti Regent 19992004 5 years Oye L.G Ekiti Regent 19972004 7 years Oye L.G Ekiti Regent 20022004 1½ years Ido/Osi L.G Ekiti Regent 20002004 3 years Ido/Osi L.G Ekiti Regent 20002004 3 years Ido/Osi L.G Ekiti Regent 20002004 3 years Irepodun/If elodun L.G Ori-Ade L.G Ekiti Regent 20042005 1 year Osun Regent 19992004 5 year Akure G. Niger TIME SPENT IN OFFICE 3 years L. Ondo 20002004 5years 7 Source: http://www.doksinet However in national politics and the governance of the people beyond traditional, local

levels women are largely marginalized. In the three tiers of modern day governance (local, state and federal) women are rarely featured. Research Activities To Establish Marginalization of Women A recent research on “Engendering Local Governance for Sustainable Development in Nigeria” sponsored by International Development Research Centre (IDRC) in which this researcher is coinvestigator establishes the fact that there is marginalization of women in governance in Nigeria. The problems addressed by the research include the lack of knowledge about the gender implications of decentralization in Nigeria and the need to adopt the transformation model to increase voice and representation in governance in general and in local governance in particular. The main objective of the project is to assess the gender impact of decentralization on women’s participation in governance, on the administrative and management structure and the evolution of women as a constituency for their

transformation. The study researched into six states of Nigeria and comprised twelve local governments. Two local governments were examined in each state. The states studied are Bauchi, Delta, Enugu, Kaduna, Kogi and Lagos state. The study revealed the conception of power by women, men and even youths. The general belief of women playing subsidiary roles was manifest. In the new dispensation, women also believe that they should be given equal chances as men. They believe that women are more liberal, kind, transparent, accountable, efficient and compassionate than men. One of their major reasons for participation is dissatisfaction with men in power. The men are supposed to represent women’s interests or know the strategic needs of women. Women look to role models who are already existing to establish that women are better administrators, and more serious and capable of making positive changes. Table III 8 Source: http://www.doksinet Nigeria: Elected Women and Female Cabinet

Ministers in 1999 Compared With 2003 Office No. available No. of women in No of women in % of 1999 2003 (2003) President 1 -- -- 0 Vice President 1 -- -- 0 Senate 109 3 4 3.7 House or 360 12 20 5.6 women representative Governors 36 - 1 2.77 Deputy 36 1 4 11.11 – 36 1 2 5.6 4(out of 49) 7 16.66 Governors Speaker state house of assembly Member of 42 state house of assembly Source: Women in public Life 2005 From the report it is clear that there is marginalization of women in political representation in Nigeria. Where we have one female governor (Anambra state) she was able to get to power due to impeachment of the substantive governor. Presently there are three female deputy governors in Ogun, Osun and Ekiti states. Lagos state was one of such states before the impeachment of the female deputy governor. 9 Source: http://www.doksinet With all the efforts made by the United Nations Organisation for equal participation in politics,

patriarchal notions of male responsibility for decision-making and leadership still exit within the family, in the community and even in the wider society in Nigeria. There is low level of women participation in politics, administration and government. Though women empowerment has been described as “a dynamic process with four major stages namely, access, conscientization, action and equity” ( CEDPA 1997), Nigerian women rarely utilize or understand it as such. Traditionally, the Nigerian society is ordered by a clear gender division of tasks, as well as by strong sense of hierarchy, in which social superiors, (within the nuclear family and extended kinship unit as well as wider social structures) enjoy respect and obedience from subordinates, while also receiving priority in resource allocation. The seniority principle confers a high degree of authority in elders, mostly men. Jegede (1994) attributes women’s political deprivation to socio-cultural, economic, legal and

educational factors. His explanation further establishes the Nigerian women conception of their barriers to empowerment and participation. Compared to men, women have less access to crucial resources such as information, education, skill, training, health (especially reproductive health and family planning), cash income, and credit, all of which are necessary for survival within the prevalent stifling economic depression in Nigeria. Inclement Hurdles to Women Participation in Politics The findings of the IDRC Report reveal constraints faced in achieving participation and representation of women in governance. Some of the constraints include traditional beliefs and values, culture, marriage and reproductive roles, societal imposed limitations, lack of confidence, not being allowed by fathers/husbands, insecurity on the part of men and the two major obstaclesmoney politics and fear of violence. Starting with the traditional beliefs, traditional society was 10 Source:

http://www.doksinet ordered by a clear gender division of responsibilities as well as a strong sense of hierarchy, in which social superiors (men) enjoyed respect and obedience from subordinates (women). This allows men to be in control of resources allocation. Family system in Nigeria is patriarchal in nature; men are responsible for all important decisions in their household. One major reason behind this is the custom of dowry payment which subjects women to partial slavery. The dowry or bride price which men pay on their wives makes women to be seen as property with productive and reproductive roles. As a form of property themselves, married women in some Nigerian societies have no property or inheritance rights. Since social ranking of women depend on age, lineage and achievement, women outside the ranks mentioned above are seen to be subordinates. Women are generally not expected to participate in community discussions as they are not seen as potential sources of leadership.

Above all, they are regarded as properties which have no right of their own except as directed. Though these attitudes are being forced to change gradually, women politicians are a rarity. Table III validates this view Education is another major hurdle that needs to be addressed. Partly because of their lower level of education, many women could not wake up to the participation call. The effect of this is that much of the many benefits associated with participation are missed by them. These are in terms of employment, self reliance, skills and even income. Education plays important determinant roles So women have more limited employment opportunities than men. This results to concentration of women in low-skilled and low-income jobs. Some men feel insecure when their wives are progressing, especially when such wives are educated. They tag them as bookish women who will not be ready to play subordinate roles as culture expected. This creates a kind of insecurity in matrimonial homes

Traditionally, women depend on men for decision-making, which result to women not having confidence in themselves. Women are sources of labour, wealth and even social security in old age, to men in traditional rural society. Political violence is another aspect that reduces women participation in Nigerian politics. Involvement of thugs before, during and after elections, the insecurity that is involved, turning politics to cultism, midnight meetings, attendant destruction of 11 Source: http://www.doksinet lives and properties, etc. are unfortunately, still features of Nigerian politics All these make politics seems unreachable for decent members of the community, especially women. Money is the main ticket for participation or representation in Nigerian politics. The introduction of N5 million for nomination forms for election shows that political participation is meant for few Nigerians. There is need for a more practical approach, if women have to join the race Nigerian politics

is not based on morals, competence, ability, sincerity, patriotic commitment, loyalty or compatriotism, but on money power, embezzlement plan, personal benefits, oppression motives and future wealth acquisition for generations to come. With the help of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) launched by the government of Chief Olusegun Obasanjo, more of these are revealed. Women of low income would not venture into the political arena All these are some of the inclement hurdles that need to be removed for effective participation of women in politics. It would be erroneous not to mention the effect of early marriage and Purdah, known as kulle in Hausa which is a religious practice in Islam of secluding women from the sight of men. All these have major implications for women participation in politics. They work to the detriment of women’s physical and psycho-social development. Pragmatic Solutions to the Problems Political participation is characterized as a bottom-up

process which involves all members of the community. However, it is likely to marginalize women unless the specific constraints facing them are considered. Importance of political participation can never be over – estimated, it is good in itself as it creates the stake people have in society and it legitimizes decisions that are taken in the name of people in society. Not participating in such activities means robbing oneself of one’s right. This is so because it allows individuals to relate to each other as participants in a common cause, and it is a way citizens have control, over not only their representatives, but also on the political agendas set by the state and its institutions. Women have limited spatial mobility 12 Source: http://www.doksinet (as household tasks confine many women to the household for longer periods of the day) and heavy work burden may not give room for participation. Lack of funds, experience, literacy, resources and connections heighten the problem.

In Nigeria, political participation often means participation by men. There is need to make it known that engagement of civil society in development as agents of change requires some degree of political consciousness and claim to power. In the just concluded project on “Engendering Local Governance for Sustainable Development in Nigeria”, the discussion showed that women’s political consciousness had been unexpressed for years, just as their political actions had been constrained. Their reaction now is that they are happy to air their views about past and present deprivations and how to move forward. They believe that both men and women should exercise power at home, in the community/workplace and nationally. They accept that women participation is constrained by gender stereotypes. They believe that men should learn to share power as it belongs to both men and women. They justify this by mentioning their input in terms of family’s economic and reproductive responsibilities.

They see the need to exercise power even at home, being a training ground for the exercise of leadership. Women need to come out as a change agent, take action in groups and move forward. Women should believe that their vote is the key to women’s political empowerment For the achievement of all these there is need for programmes that create enabling environment that will allow women to participate more in public policy and put more women into decisionmaking positions in the governmental, corporate and social sectors. Both government and Nongovernmental organizations should organize capacity building support for women’s participation in political leadership. Equally, introduction of capacity building for providing the necessary conceptual, analytical and practical tools for leadership skills and training for women will go a long way in solving these problems. In addition, leadership development training which emphasizes awareness raising, self-esteem, inter-generational and

capacity building programs are 13 Source: http://www.doksinet also necessary for the preparation. Other steps that need consideration are promotion of equal gender representation in decision-making bodies in the public and private sector, the legislature and political parties; dissemination of information, including research findings on women’s participation in political leadership; involvement in media and communications strategies which support gender equity and women’s participation in political processes, etc. Introduction of Office of the First Lady into the Nigerian political system is a kind of opening for women participation in politics, especially in Africa where cultural norms and other barriers work against women participation. The public profile of elite women changed dramatically with the coming into power of First Lady Chief-Dr. –Mrs Maryam Babangida, wife of former Nigerian Head of State General Ibrahim Babangida. She introduced “Better Life for Rural

Women” Programme. This is how history was made Subsequence First Ladies started having one programme or the other for women, eg. Family Support Programme by Mariam Abacha Although the First Lady Syndrome as exhibited by the wives of Nigeria’s military rulers may not be so acceptable to all (due to its short comings such as promotion of autocratic practices, personal aggrandizement of the First Lady, cronyism, etc.) still there are positive impacts of it in creating opportunities for agency among female political actors. Many women are now coming out, showing interest and those in public offices are showing that women are more than able, if given the chance. Examples include Prof Dora Akunyili of the National Agency for Food and Drug Administration Control and Mrs Ndidi Okereke Onyiuke of the Nigerian Stock Exchange. On the International scene the performance of such women as Indira Ghandi of India, Maria Estella of Argentina, Margaret Thatcher of Great Britain and others attest to

the fact that women could be excellent political administrators. It is obvious that there are gains in involving women in politics. Since it enables them to present their views and seek redress to some issues affecting women. Involvement of women will bring greater justice and equity, increase women representation, and enhance economic empowerment of women. 14 Source: http://www.doksinet Desirable changes for women under study require constitutional provisions for women’s rights, affirmative action, adult education, job creation, social infrastructures, and provision of social amenities. It is then that women would be encouraged to come out for elective offices There is need to strengthen women’s groups by encouraging them to have one vision, one mission statement, one goal and one setting. Conclusion The low level of participation of women in politics and public policy decision-making processes has led to the marginalization of the female gender and increased discrimination

against women in African countries. It is imperative that women should participate in policy-making, particularly at a time a fresh vision of gender sensitive development is needed in African countries. More emphasis needs to be laid on more representation of women by women in positions of decisionmaking. Inclusion of leadership training of women in political processes is a key resource for their effectiveness as members of organizations. The constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria should make it mandatory that a certain percentage (say 30%) of political appointments at all tiers of government should be reserved exclusively for women. That would be a good pioneering effort, and an incentive to women to start scaling the hurdles that stand between them and their political responsibilities in Nigeria. 15 Source: http://www.doksinet Reference Abubakar, J. (1990), Purdah among the Muslim Women of Kura District in Kano State, Project of the University of Jos, Department of

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