ANALYSES ON THE ROLE OF WOMEN'S POLITICAL PARTICIPATION IN LOCAL DECISION-MAKING PROCESSES IN CAMEROON

CHAPTERONE

INTRODUCTION 

Background of the study 

Globally, the ability of all people, including men and women, to engage in the administration of public affairs, also known as mass or popular involvement, is thus fundamental to democratic government (Uhunmwuangho, 2021). To buttress this opinion, the Inter-Parliamentary Union stated in the Universal Declaration of Democracy that "the achievement of democracy presupposes a genuine partnership between men and women in the conduct of societal affairs in which they work in equality and complementary drawing mutual enrichment from their differences" (Inter-parliamentary Union, 1999). Even though sustained democratic administration is dependent on all individuals participating in selecting who rules them through elections and political procedures. It also depends on the legal equality of all citizens regardless of their gender.

Conversely, the rising prominence of women's concerns, as well as the resurrection of women's movements, have enhanced public awareness and intensified scholarly debate around women's political engagement. Though low political involvement among women is a global phenomenon (Olatunde,2019), the importance of women's participation in democratic government and human development cannot be overstated. No doubt, women spend more time in the neighbourhood than males since they are generally in charge of the family, caring for others, and community administration, they also have a vested stake in clean drinking water, sewage, sanitation, garbage collection, fuel, and health care. As a result, Nkoyo (2022) assert that the conditions under which basic services are provided are critical issues for women. Women, for example, are highly suited to advise on the choice of pumps, where to run the waterlines, and where to install the standpipes, in order to prevent basic design defects that disadvantage women and children. Women are also responsible for the upkeep of such services, such as cleaning and sweeping around community water pumps and standpipes, collecting contributions, and coordinating for equipment repair (United Nations Centre for Human Settlements - UNCHS, 1999). Therefore without women's active participation and the inclusion of women's perspectives at all levels of decision making, the goals of equality, progress, and peace cannot be realized as stated by Fayomi (2019) . 

Cameroon's political landscape is characterized by a patriarchal system that often marginalizes women's voices and limits their opportunities for political engagement. Traditional gender roles, cultural norms, socioeconomic factors, and institutional biases intersect to create formidable obstacles for women seeking to enter politics and influence decision-making at the local level. Contrarily, from the country's independence to the present day, there have been changing degrees of women's engagement in politics and government, as well as varying sets of barriers to women's political participation (Johnson 2020). Because of the global low level of women's political engagement, movements to raise women's political presence have emerged in nations all over the world. Unequivocally, Fonjong (2020) pointed out that the inequality of gender have negative effects that stand as a barrier for national integration in society and hinders participation in developmental project.. Some of such negative effects include; unequal cultural treatment for male and female, unequal opportunity in politics, jobs, education, etc. These factors have engulfed females, making women face many challenges in their bid to be heard and not seen alone as the society has made them.

Although, women constitute at reasonable population in Cameroon, like in other regions of the world, this numerical strength does not imply a rise in women's engagement in community development initiatives in the country (NGO Coalition Shadow Report, 2018). According to Kira (2018), women do no always repond to planned interventions, programs, projects, or policies aimed at promoting social, economic, and environmental progress within communities or societies. These initiatives may target various sectors, such as health, education, infrastructure, livelihoods, and governance, with the goal of improving the quality of life and well-being of individuals and communities, regardless of the fact that equal development opportunity for women is a goal held by both men and women, and in spite of rising support for women's equality, women have historically had low involvement in politics, decision-making roles and community development porgrammes.

Statement of the Problem

Women's political participation remains a critical aspect of democratic governance, reflecting the inclusivity and diversity of voices within decision-making processes. In Cameroon, as in many other countries, women have historically faced significant barriers to their participation in politics and governance. According to Abokede (2018), active engagement of women in decision-making is required to guarantee that women may advocate and defend their individual demands and interests. They may be key players in supporting gender-sensitive governance that addresses both men's and women's interests and improves access to and control over local resources for both. Chrisman (2020) argued that focus on gender disparities is especially important in sanitation projects, and gender-balanced methods should be supported in implementation plans and procedures. Simple actions, such as supplying schools with water and latrines and encouraging hygiene instruction in the classroom, can help females acquire an education, especially after puberty, while also lowering health-related risks for everyone even though  men politicians do not always support the interests of women.

Scholarly research on women's political participation in Cameroon has highlighted various challenges and opportunities. Batliwala & Reddy, (2020) pointed that Women, despite constituting a significant portion of Cameroon's population, frequently encounter barriers to meaningful participation in decision-making forums and development projects. Similarly, Asongwe, 2023) in her study blamed traditional gender norms which perpetuate stereotypes and restrict women's roles primarily to domestic spheres, limiting their agency in community development initiatives. Moreover, Njoh & Awasom (2018) stated that disparities in access to education, healthcare, and economic resources further marginalize women, constraining their ability to engage in community development activities couple with the fact that men often dominate leadership positions and decision-making processes within community structures, reinforcing patriarchal norms and hindering the equitable distribution of benefits from development projects.

Although studies have examined the socio-cultural dynamics shaping women's political agency, the role of political parties in fostering gender-inclusive politics, and the impact of legal frameworks on women's representation in local governance structures,, gaps persist in understanding the nuanced barriers and facilitators of women's political participation in Cameroon, experiences and strategies of women leaders who have successfully navigated the male-dominated political arena particularly at the local level where decisions directly impact communities' everyday lives. Therefore, this study seeks to fill this gap by conducting in-depth analyses on the role of women's political participation in local decision-making processes in Cameroon.

Objectives of the Study

The objective of this study is focused on the role of women's political participation in local decision-making processes in Cameroon. Specifically, the study seeks to:

1.Examine the level women's political participation in local decision-making processes in Cameroon

2.Ascerain the roles do women play in grassroots politics and local decision-making processes in Cameroon

3.Investigate the challenges, experience and contribution of women in democratic process in Cameroon

1.4 Research Questions 

1.What is the level women's political participation in local decision-making processes in Cameroon?

2.What are the roles do women play in grassroots politics and local decision-making processes in Cameroon?

3.What are the challenges, experience and contribution of women in democratic process in Cameroon?

1.5 Research Hypotheses

Ho: There is no significant role women play in political and local decision-making processes in Cameroon. 

Ha: There is a significant role women play in political and local decision-making processes in Cameroon.

1.6 Significance of the Study

Marginalization of women in local governance is nothing but an elongation of male dominance in virtually all political affairs. As such, historical fact of this nature is strongly associated with the attitudinal views which had often impede the chances of women to having more political representatives at the various local government levels in Cameroon. This therefore makes the study both timely and significant. This study endeavors to generate evidence-based recommendations for policymakers, civil society organizations, and other stakeholders to enhance women's political participation and foster more inclusive and equitable decision-making processes at the local level in Cameroon. By illuminating the complex dynamics shaping women's political agency and influence, this research contributes to broader efforts aimed at advancing gender equality, strengthening democratic governance, and promoting sustainable development in Cameroon and beyond. The research will equally be beneficial to NGOs, scholars and government agencies on gender related issues such as Inter-parliamentary Union, United Nations’ Division for the Advancement of Women (DAW) Committee for the Elimination of all form of Discriminations against Women (CEDAW) as it will aid them in their search for gender equality. In addition, the suggestions and recommendations that will be proffered in this study will help improve the level of political participation of women in Nigeria particularly Lagos States.  

1.7 Scope of the Study 

The scope of this study is on the role of women's political participation in local decision-making processes in Cameroon.  The content scope will examine, factors political participation in local decision-making processes in Cameroon.  and strategies for promoting gender-responsive community participation in development initiatives in Cameroon. The geographical scope of the study will focus on Southern region of Cameroon.

Limitations of the Study

Due to the case study approach focusing on specific communities’ Southern region of Cameroon, the findings may lack generalizability to other regions or countries. Therefore, caution will be exercised in extrapolating the results beyond the study context. More so, the study's sample selection process may introduce bias, as certain communities or demographic groups may be overrepresented or underrepresented. This could affect the validity and representativeness of the findings. Limited time and resources may restrict the scope of the study, impacting the depth of data collected and the comprehensiveness of the analysis. This could result in overlooking certain aspects or dynamics relevant to the research questions. Despite these limitations, the researcher will acknowledge and address these challenges transparently to enhance the credibility and rigor of the study.

1.9 Conceptual Clarifications

Politics: Politics is the set of activities that are associated with making decisions in groups, or other forms of power relations among individuals, such as the distribution of resources or status.

Political Participation: Political participation includes a broad range of activities through which people develop and express their opinions on the world and how it is governed, and try to take part in and shape the decisions that affect their lives.

Grassroots politics: A grassroots politics is one that uses the people in a given district, region or community as the basis for a political or economic movement.

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