An assessment of gender inequality in democratic politics in the fourth republic in Nigeria (1999-2003)

Abstract

Nigeria has been a patriarchy society where roles of women are restricted. This study revealed that women were underrepresented in the various political assignments such as presidential election, National assembly election, Ministerial Appointments, Federal House of Representative, Gubernatorial Election, State House of Assembly, Chairmanship and Councillorship Election at the local government level in the fourth republic. This study assessed gender inequality in democratic political participation in the fourth republic in Nigeria. It contends that socio-cultural beliefs of the people posed a quagmire to women political participation in Nigeria. It further suggests that there is need to encourage women’s education, changing traditional and cultural beliefs towards women within Nigerian political landscape for the overall national development.