WOMEN IN POLITICS: A REVIEW OF COMMON AND ISLAMIC LAW PROVISION

 

 

Issue of gender equality (men and women) are equal in all ranks, which also includes politics, which is aimed at women rather than men, these debates degenerate and disintegrate into discordant posturing, grandstanding, sweeping, generalizations and misrepresentation. I do not intend to throw my hat into the ring. I only wish to add my voiced to the discourse. Before women’s participation in politics remained a contentious but neglected area in dedicated academic discourse or forum such as the instant one. This, thus long essay is but an attempt to shed light on some darkened areas with the hoe that the eager picture will be clearer and with the realization that Islam, rather than dehumanize, it actually enhanced the status of women. In this long essay, an attempt is made to analyze and examine the divergent views and arguments of both proponents and opponents of women’s participation in politics. On the other hand, women in politics, although with a caveat, that should not be at the expense of the family and dewomanizing the women. This long essay further

seeks to address the need of open mindness and accommodation there on from both sides of the divide.

 

 

 

 

In spite of the fact that around the world today, democracy has become the pillar upon which nations are building the hope of attaining sustainable development, the definition of democracy remains exclusive, politics though remain an integral part of democracy bearing traditional definition, which characterizes. It was male dominated and excluding women. It needs to be stressed that women’s political rights remains an integral part of human rights and women’s rights generally are necessary aspect of any democratic frame work. This long essay will examine the extent of women participation in Nigeria politics and the extent of marginalization of women in politics. If the definition of democracy allows for diversity opinion and participation of different groups, then it cannot be thrive by excluding women, which effectively constitute half on the world’s population and half of each and every single national population. The fact that the constitution is supposed to promote the evolution of the notion of the democratic process is not in doubt, what seems debatable is whether democratic process can flourish in the current dispensation where the constitution guarantee for women participation in politics are limited. In Nigeria despite the significant roles of women before and after independence in development of corresponding economic, social and political power is still wanting. The fac t that military ruled for years helped to institutionalize violations of human rights that resulted to severe political, social and economic crises. These anomalies have impacted negatively on the development of women’s right, despite the many international norms and institutions designed to advance the cause of women. This long essay under scores the extent of degration on this light and properly examines the ideal status of women in Nigeria under the relevant statutes. The challenge of women’s participation in the political process in Nigeria has gained additional significance, since the return of democracy. The last election saw men taking over their male dominated model of politics altogether or rejecting male single of political. Women’s aspiration to participate in governance is premised on the following grounds, it is the believed that women constitute half of the population and hence should be allowed to a fair share in decision making and the country, secondly that all human beings are equal and women posses the same rights as men to participate in governance is an entitlement conferred upon

My objective of study is to enlighten women on their roles in politics as to whether they can participate in politics, this project serves as enlightenment for females because the constitution, The Noble Quran, also the Hadith ,including the jurist are also in supports that women should be given chances to participate in politics no matter how small the post might be. They should not be looked down upon; they deserve the right to participate in politics. This project will encourage women and also know their civil rights, that they can participate in election that is they cant vote and be voted for. Eg in Kwara State, among their gubernatorial candidate was a female who was Sen. Gbemisola

Rukayat Saraki, thou, she was condemned, but still stood on her feet that what a man can do a woman can do better. Also during the presidential primaries in PDP which was held in Abuja. A lady stood up that she wants to become a president (Mrs. Sarah Jubril), but she was denied her civic right because it was only her vote that counts, nobody voted for her.