Gendered barriers and women electoral participation in Nigeria: implications for achieving Sustainable Development Goal 5
Precious Chibueze Rufus, Mmaduabuchi Godsgrant Akujuobi, Ettah Bassey Essien
Abstract
Despite growing global advocacy for gender equality, women's electoral participation in Nigeria remains low, raising concerns about inclusive governance. This study examined the extent of women’s participation in Nigerian politics, with particular attention to factors affecting the implementation of gender-responsive policies to address women's underrepresentation, through the lens of Intersectionality Theory. The study adopted a qualitative approach, relying on secondary sources such as online materials, books, journal articles, documentaries, and reports. A key finding of this study is that women remain significantly underrepresented in Nigerian politics, as evidenced by the relatively low elected women in the 2023 general elections. The study concluded that gendered barriers to women’s electoral participation in Nigeria perpetuate a cycle of exclusion, thereby hindering the nation’s progress toward gender equality and the empowerment of all women and girls. Thus, the study recommends an expedited statutory recognition and strict enforcement of the 35% affirmative action policy to enhance women’s political participation in Nigeria.