THE ROLE OF WOMEN IN NIGERIA POLITICS (A CASE STUDY OF EGOR LOCAL GOVERNMENT AREA)

ABSTRACT 

Political participation is at the heart of Democracy. The more people participate the more legitimate a democratic government is. Though political participation is found to be liberal and unrestrictive, research has shown that women who constitute more than half of the Nigeria’s national population continue to suffer marginalization and discrimination. Empirical findings have revealed that women political participation in Nigeria remains at a dismal level as it recorded less than 10% women representation in the  1999, 2003, 2007 and 2011 elections.The aim of the study, therefore, was to find out the role of Nigeria women in politics and the specific factors responsible for the low level of political participation of women in Nigeria. The study generated both primary and secondary data. 100 questionnaires were administered among women in Edo State.           The study discovered that women are participating more actively in political issues than ever before as a result of political re-awakening and awareness. More often than not, they are besieged with challenges of which discrimination is more rife and despite the difficulties faced by women in politics, they continue with their political ambition, contributing enormously to the political and national development. The study therefore conclude that measure directed towards redressing the low political participation of women in Nigeria will only be superficial unless the factors that limit women’s political empowerment are addressed.