Abstract
The persistent underrepresentation of women in politics across Nigeria, and particularly in Nasarawa State, has continued to raise concerns about gender imbalance in governance and democratic participation. Despite constitutional guarantees of equal rights, women in the state face structural, cultural, and institutional barriers that limit their access to political opportunities. This problem necessitated this study, which was conducted to examine women political participation in Nasarawa State between 2015 and 2023. Anchored on the feminist theory, which advocates for gender equality and challenges systemic structures that perpetuate women’s subordination, the study provides a theoretical justification for understanding the socio-political dynamics that exclude women from power. The study adopted a survey design, utilizing both primary and secondary data. Questionnaires were administered to selected female politicians, political party officials, and members of civil society, while secondary data were obtained from official reports and electoral records. The questionnaire responses were analyzed using simple percentages, whereas secondary data were qualitatively analyzed through content analysis. Findings revealed that although women in Nasarawa State have shown a growing interest in contesting elective offices, their actual representation remains very low. Structural inequalities within political parties, limited access to resources, and persistent gender stereotypes continue to hinder their political advancement. Furthermore, socio-cultural norms, economic constraints, undemocratic party practices, psychological barriers, and a violent political climate collectively sustain their marginalization. The study recommends deliberate institutional reforms within political parties to enforce gender-inclusive policies, such as reserving at least 35% of elective positions and party leadership roles for women. Secondly, the government, civil society, and development partners should intensify public enlightenment campaigns to challenge entrenched socio-cultural stereotypes that discourage women’s political participation, coupled with security measures to curb electoral violence. This will create a safe and enabling environment for women to participate actively in politics, thereby promoting genuine gender balance in Nasarawa State’s political landscape.
Keywords: Women’s Political Participation, Elective/selective Positions, Nasarawa State, Gender Representation, Political Empowerment, Political Inclusion.
DOI: www.doi.org/10.36349/fujpam.2025.v4i02.002
author/Prof. Ogah Musa Ari, Abubakar Musa Agwai II & Ahmed Ibrahim
journal/FUJPAM Vol. 4, No. 2
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