Gender issues: Women participation in governance of Nigeria

Nigeria is a patriarchal society characterized by acute discrimination, exclusion; inequality and impunity. These features relate to issues of gender imbalance. This study discusses the need for full participation of women in Governance of Nigeria, an issue that has been denied consideration in the Nigerian polity especially in Adamawa State. This study presents various strategies that may be applied by both government and/or decision makers and women themselves for full integration of women into the mainstream of politics in Nigeria and Adamawa State in particular. It is appropriate to focus on this important aspect of development in the Nigerian polity. The researcher also gave a theoretical framework and reviewed some related literatures that are in line with women and democratic governance. The contribution of women to the socio-economic and political development of any modern democratic state is essential and indispensable. This paper examines the extent of women participation in politics and national development in Nigeria. The study adopted secondary data as sources of information. The constraints of women participation in politics pose as hindrance to national development in Nigeria. It is discernible from this study that cultural, environmental, educational and gender factors are major barriers to active women participation in politics. It is part of the objectives of this work to realize active women participation in National political life for a sustainable National development. Government at all levels should embark on enlightenment campaign to sensitize the public on the need for more women to embrace and pursue education as this is a catalyst for active women participation in politics. It is also recommended that coercive legislations should be made at all levels against every form of discrimination against women.