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American Journal of Multidisciplinary Research & Review (AJMRR)
Volume-01, Issue-03, pp-10-17
www.ajmrr.com
Research Paper Open Access
SOCIO-CULTURAL VALUES AND WOMEN POLITICAL
PARTICIPATION IN NIGERIA
1
Chinwe Mariaceline Eze, 2
Mark, Kingsley Chinonso
Department of Political Science, Faculty of Social Sciences, Nnamdi Azikiwe University Awka, Anambra State-
Nigeria
Department of Political Science, Faculty of Social Sciences, Nnamdi Azikiwe University Awka, Anambra State-
Nigeria
Abstract: The major thrust of this paper is to look at the socio-cultural values and women political participation,
socio- cultural values that prevent them from actively participating in politics. The work made use of secondary data
anchored on feminist theory of analysis. Comparatively, women constitute almost half of the population, despite their
numerical significance; women do not actively participate in political activities. The rate at which men participate in
politics is incredibly higher than their female counterparts. This is not to say, however, that there has not been a
progressive increase in the trend of women participation in politics in terms of elections, but the participation is
considered low, due to various inhibiting socio-cultural values, religious inclinations, low educational levels, Purdah
(i.e. house seclusion of women) prevent women from intermingling freely with men during political activities.
Consequently, only very few men allow their wives to come out and participate in politics which makes them second
class citizens and inferior to men. This has significantly reduced the number of women in active political
participation. Therefore, the study recommended among other things that there should be re-education and re-
orientation of our men on the issues of patriarchal culture and stereotyping of sex role in the society. Patriarchy as a
system recognizes the superiority of men over women; patriarchy has equally led to the unacceptability of women by
men as leaders, the men should be sensitized towards indigenous cultural values concerning the status of women.
There should also be urgent need for political education; expanding educational opportunities for women is another
panacea in solving women marginalization in politics, especially beyond primary schools‟ level. This will surely
increase their knowledge in knowing how to protect their constitutional right.
Keywords: Politics, Women, Political participation, Socio-cultural values, Society.
I. Introduction
In any democratic society, equal political participation between male and female is vital to the
sustainability of the system. Accordingly, each adult member of the society should have the inalienable right to
participate in the decision-making of their society regardless of their sexes, openness and free participation of the
citizenry in the process offers the medium through which those in position of authority know the interests, needs,
and preferences of citizens and respond to grievances made to them through such channels (Burns, Schlozman &
Verba, 2001) based on this, the benefits of women‟s participation in politics should not be in doubt.
Efforts has been made by the government and non-government organizations to increase the level of
political participation of women in line with the declaration made at the fourth world conference on women in
Beijing, which advocated 30% affirmative actions. The National Gender Policy (NGP) recommended 35% of both
elective and appointive political positions respectively (Agbalajobi, 2010).
The political stability and development of any political system is a function of the awareness and positive
involvement of the citizens in civic and political matters. In a political system, the citizens can be involved in the
political process and decision making by joining political party, voting during election, participating in electoral
campaign, community affairs and other political activities. The level and pattern of political participation of the
citizens determine, to some extent, the success of the political system.
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Consequently, political participation, particularly in the electoral process, is a fundamental requirement of
representative democracy. This is the reason whySoetan, (2014) emphasized that ideally, democracy means
individual participation in the decision that involves one‟s life. In a democratic system, there is the necessity for the
citizenry to be fully involved in the democratic procedures of the choice of rulers and effective communication of
the public policies and attitudes. Any claim to democratic system must essentially embrace a high degree of
competitive choice, openness, and enjoyment of civic and political liberties and political participation that involves
all groups of the society (Arowolo & Aluko, 2010).
Political participation is a sine qua non for democracy. Democracy involves a commitment to give both
men and women equal opportunity to develop their individual capacities. It involves participation in the decisions
that involve one‟s life. Participation involves those voluntary activities such as holding public and party office,
being a candidate for office, attending election campaigns, voting and exposing oneself to political stimuli
(Milbrath, 1965).
One of the features of democratic governance is the involvement of the governed, the masses in the process
of governance. Therefore, under democratic rule, the participation of individuals irrespective of social class or
gender in politics is an enshrined norm and this includes the participation of women. Women constitute over half of
the world‟s population and contribute in vital ways to societal development generally (Afolabi, 2003).
Unfortunately, societal reality as emphasized by Anifowose (2004) is deeply rooted in the cultural beliefs and values
of societies around the world. As a consequence, women have for long suffered various forms of gender
discrimination, inequality and exclusion, especially in the area of politics (Agbalajobi, 2010). Their participation is
one of the key elements of democracy which provides justification for inclusion in electoral competition; it will be
meaningful only if the process is just, fair, permissive and level playing ground is guaranteed for possible ascension
of women politically.
However, women are at the lowest level in the pursuit of these democratic principles. In the hierarchy of
political participation and involvement they are lagging behind because of the social, economic and political
circumstances associated with participation.
II. Women and Political Participation
Political participation is the active involvement and engagement by individuals both women and men with
political process that affect their lives. The act of active engagements includes voting, standing for office, joining of
political party or to take part in the political campaigns of the political parties and to exert influence in the decision
making process through public debate, and dialogue with the representatives they elected or through their capacity to
organize themselves; or exercise public power by holding public office at different levels of administrations- local,
regional, national and international.
Political participation matters a great deal for women as a group and as individuals. Whether women work
together to protest gender-based injustices or whether they participate in non-gender-specific associations and
struggles, the most important group benefit from political participation is influence on decision-making to make
public policies sensitive to the needs of the group in question.
For groups, participation also builds social trust and capital, and provides a form of democratic
apprenticeship; it offers socialization in the norms of reciprocity and cooperation, the capacity to gain broader
perspectives on particular problems in order to develop a sense of the common good. For individuals, political
participation builds civic skills, while successful lobbying can result in improvements in personal welfare and status.
Explanations for the very slow progress women have made in gaining political office around the world have been
multi-causal, including: their lack of time for politics due to their domestic obligations, their lack of socialization for
politics, their lower social capital and weaker asset base than men owing to discrimination in schools and in the
market, their under representation in the jobs that favor political careers, their marginalization within male-
dominated parties, their inability to overcome male and incumbent bias in certain types of electoral systems (Rule,
1981;
Kelly, 2019)
Women‟s political participation is most often measured in terms of the numbers of women to be found in
formal politics, in positions of public office to which they have been elected. This extremely crude measure is made
even more so by the tendency to limit it to the numbers of women in the main legislative house at the national level,
excluding not just numbers of women in regional and local government, but numbers of women elected as
magistrates, members of the boards of public bodies such as schools or health facilities, and the like. The reasons for
using this measure have to do with simple convenience. There are significant data gaps on numbers of women in
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local governments and other sub-national elected bodies around the world, and there is such wide variation in
governance systems for sub-national communities and public bodies that they are barely comparable.
Numbers of women in representative politics are not the best indicator of the extent and intensity of women‟s
political participation because there is no necessary relationship between the two. Relatively large numbers of
women were found in politics in socialist countries in periods when women‟s independent civil society activity was
suppressed under single-party governments (Molyneux, 1985). Relatively large numbers of women are found in
local governments in some countries in spite of the fact that the women‟s movement can be weak at these levels –
for instance in France or Uganda, India and the USA, with the largest women‟s movements in the world (in terms of
the sheer number and variety of women‟s organizations) have some of the lowest levels of women in national office
(Matland & Brown, 1992). Numbers of women active in women‟s organizations, or at least numbers of women‟s
organizations in a country, might be a better indicator of levels of women‟s political participation (Matland &
Brown, 1992).
Women are portrayed as weak and incapable of making smart decisions; they have been depicted to be only
capable engaged in gossip and hear say, utterly incompetent and less intelligent. This was projected and reinforced
through the years through male dominated institutions and patriarchal societies which internalizes the idea that the
women are inferior in every aspect, it became hard for women to enter politics such attitudes towards the women
still exist in societies all over the world today.
Most of the time men are taking as bread winners, who have the authority to represent the family outside of
their home while women are traditionally in charge of domestic chores (Kelly, 2019). The position and
empowerment of women in society are hindered by negative attitudes perpetuating inequality affecting all aspects of
their lives, there is a belief that the women are supposed to be led but not to be lead. A societal perception about
leadership ability of women hinders the participation, the traditional attitudes towards gender equality influence
women‟s advancement in political participation (Kelly, 2019).
Women‟s political participation is best understood more broadly than numbers of women in office, and
indeed, more broadly than numbers of women‟s organizations, as women may express their political interests
through participation in a wide variety of political and civic associations. This definition includes voting,
campaigning for a party or supporting party work through other means (e.g. policy development, membership
drives), contacting policy-makers directly by writing or telephone, protest activities, getting involved in
organizations that take a stand in politics, taking part in informal efforts to solve community problems, and serving
in a voluntary capacity on local governing boards such as school or zoning boards (Agbalajobi, 2010). This
definition is clearly culturally-specific; notions of citizen lobbying of representatives or participating in political
campaigns apply best in democratic contexts that lack violence and corruption in political competition (particularly
in electoral campaigns), and that have disciplined parties with internal democracy, clear programmers and positions.
This narrow definition has also been criticized by feminist political scientists as being overly focused on individual
political acts and for excluding the forms of public engagement favored by women.
A recent cross-national study (146 countries) found that the number of national women‟s political
organizations was unrelated to gender inequality in political representation (Kenworthy & Malami, 1999). This is an
indication of a pattern that appears in other studies of women‟s political participation: the longer women have had
access to the political sphere, the greater are the numbers of women in politics, this suggests a role model effect that
encourages women to enter political activity, as well as a cultural effect whereby the political sphere becomes less
hostile to women the longer it is exposed to them.
Political participation accords right to rule, freedom of expression, and right of association, right to free
flow of communication, right to influence decision process and right to social justice. It equally expresses such
rights and demand for better social and health services, better working conditions and increase in wages. Ibrahim
(2018) views political participation as those voluntary activities through which members of the society participate in
rules get involve in selection of leaders and directly or indirectly participate in the formation of public policies.
Political participation involves series of activities engaged by individual to influence in the decision making process.
It is a general way through which the civic activities of the citizen are displayed in a true democracy.
III. Theoretical Framework
The study embraced the liberal feminist theory as propounded by Simon De Beauvoir & Mary
Wollstonecraft. Feminism is the collective term for the systems of belief and theories that pay special attention to
women‟s right and women‟s position in the society. They believed in social, economic and political equality of the
sex. Feminist are united by the idea that women‟s positions in the society is equal to that of men, and that society is
structured in such a way as to benefit men to the political, social and economic detriment of women. However,
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feminist have used different theories to explain these inequalities and have advocated different ways of redressing
inequality nature of feminist and there are marked geographic and historical variations. Feminist are united by the
idea that women‟s position in society is equal to that of men, and that the society is structured in such a way as to
benefit men to the political, social and economic detriment of women.
Feminism help to explain the topic as the theory reveals evident on the fact that women are not equally
accorded similar opportunity with the male counterpart owning to the fact that they are considered out of historical,
biological and cultural values the weaker sex. This has dent the socio-political and economic essence of social
existence. It bedevils the foundation on which their qualities are relegated only to domestic consequences.
IV. SOCIO-CULTURAL VALUE AND WOMEN POLITICAL PARTICIPATION
Women‟s ability to engage politically both within and beyond the voting booth particularly as community
organizers and elected officials is often shaped by norms that drive wider social structures. Cultural values and
cultural attitudes especially as regards women‟s roles and status in society remain strong, particularly in Africa and
Nigeria in Particular (Arowolo & Aluko, 2010). Cultural values and the division of labour are still clearly gendered.
Social norms that make it more difficult for women to leave their traditionally domestic roles for more public roles
outside of the home (Kelly, 2019).
Cultural value is a powerful influencer of once belief, understandings and perceptions of reality (Schein,
2010). In this sense, it also impacts behavior and social dynamics. Schein (2010) explains culture as a dynamic
phenomenon based on what is happening in the present while simultaneously recognizing the background inherent
structures of our organizations. “When we learn to see the world through cultural lenses, all kinds of things begin to
make senses that initially were mysterious, frustrating or seemingly stupid” (Schein, 2010:13).
Some of these factors are identified as a function of natural status of women, while others are man-made
deliberately designed by their male counterparts to further confine a woman to sedentary activities. Flaring from the
analysis is due to a number of factors, such as socio-cultural determinant which established women‟s domain in the
private sphere. A vast number of barriers are imposed on women active participation in politics by cultural practices.
The society in general is permeated by patriarchy whereby women are expected to conform to and confine
themselves to male dominance and female subservience, giving the men a higher social status over females has crept
into public life which reflects in state activities. The family plays an important role in maintaining the patriarchal
order across generations.
Patriarchy as an aspect of culture; is an important concept in explaining gender inequality. It refers to a
society ruled and dominated by men over women, giving men a higher social status over the females. Patriarchal
nature provided women with fewer chances to acquire property, having access to education, health facilities, and
work especially in rural areas and more significantly, they have no access and opportunities to participate in politics
(Matland & Brown, 1992).
Religion& Cultural Norms: Religion is a source of cultural beliefs noted in this work as the reason for their in-
active participation in politic. The major religions of the world are differently conservative or patriarchal in their
views about the place of women both in the church hierarchy and in the society which significantly enhances women
political participation (Dim & Asomah, 2019).
Religion and culture has played a role in politics, including influencing women‟s political participation.
Those influence results from the role women play which invariably modulating women public agency. It reinforces
practices which inhibit their active involvement in politics (Kelly, 2019). Almost all the political parties build their
structures and functionalities around religion and cultural norms, thereby resulting in enshrining some forms of
gender inequalities (Orji, Orji & Agbanyim, 2018).
Hence, religion has a negative impact at women‟s status in the society and limits their opportunities in
politics and in public life. Religion is one of the anachronistic cultural beliefs in many communities in the country
that excludes women from the mainstream of leadership. In most religion, power and authority is believed that
divinity belong to men hence subjugating women. All these religion sects are known to be mostly against women
participation in politics either overtly or covertly (Human rights watch, 2013). Islam is even most strict than some
other Christian groups in its opposition to women political participation. Moslem is traditionally restricted from
engaging in certain simple task that the mere mention of harboring a political ambition by a woman can be viewed
as sacrilegious, this religions indoctrination which are prevalent in society hinders women taking active part in
politics (Orji et al, 2018).
Religious practices are used as powerful instruments of stereotype against the women political
aspirants/politicians from active participation in politics. The Purdah system (i.e. house seclusion of women) of the
Islamic doctrines strictly bars women from participating in politics. However, when it comes to the issue of political
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leadership and formulation of government policies women‟s role in Islam is limited to supportive and advisory. It is
believed that Muslim women should stay off the course that will bring her into close contact with the male adult
who is neither her husband nor her blood relation and this have made most women to be wary and even refused out-
rightly to be actively involved in politics which will invariably bring them in close contact to the male counterpart.
In most cases men used the name of religion to justify their dominance on women and the need for the women to
remain a mere tool in their hands (Ibrahim, 2018). The invocation of religious doctrines to limit and strip the women
of some of their rights, including that which allows the women to participate in politics without contravening any
religious doctrine is very common and this serves as another justification for the inactive political participation.
Another factor is the wrong perception of women in politics. Women who are actively involved in politics are often
seen and treated as free women (prostitutes/wayward) of easy virtues, stubborn people, whores, too domineering,
cultural rebellions, etc. it is observed that during campaign, the political opponents (mostly men) use the alleged
loose moral standing of these women against then and often insult them directly in public. Thus they are often
subjected to public ridicule and are socially stigmatized by both men and women. The use of negative labeling,
derogatory names, abusive language and expressions to describe the women in politics discourage many of them
from active participation.
Education: To educate means to train the mind, character and abilities of individuals. Education is fundamental
human rights that should be availed to all citizens irrespective of age, sex and nationality (Goetz, 2003). Education
is the key to solving the problem of women‟s low political participation, women political participation is low
because their access to education is low (Dim & Asomah, 2019). Scholars believe that if access to education is
improved, other factor such as prejudice and discrimination against women in politics will be addressed (Orji et al,
2018).
Very few educated women take active participation in politics because of society‟s negative perception of
women; there are some limitations such as tradition, customs, socio-cultural values, ethics, motherhood instincts are
factors influencing gender bias in the education sector. Cultural and social beliefs, attitudes and practices prevent
women from benefiting from educational opportunities to the same extent as the men (Goetz, 2003).
Education is seen as a fear of change, the fear of becoming even greater, and fear to lose the cultural identity, fear of
moving towards the unknown or unwanted. Education is an instrument per excellence for effective development,
and a dynamic instrument of change and also the basis for the full promotion and improvement of the status of
women.
However, it is culturally assumed that women must seek permission from the men/husbands before
venturing into politics and if such permission is not granted, the only option for, such woman is to drop their
political ambitions. Thus must family members especially husbands even among the educated ones do not allow
women/wives to participate actively in politics (Luka, 2011). Many poor women political aspirants do not enjoy
family support financially, socially and otherwise (Rule, 1981).
More so, those political aspirants/politicians lack support from their fellow women politically which is a
major challenge to their active participation in politics (Rule, 1981). It is unfortunate that women in some part do not
have expected confidence in the leadership abilities of their fellow women and do not support them to win elections.
Although, factors like envy, jealousy, and other problems associated with interpersonal relations are common with
women generally, most women would rather vote or support men to win election than their fellow women in spite of
their numerical strength.
Moreover, the women are scared away from politics because of the brutality and thuggery associated with
politics. The politicians do not have the culture of accepting defeats and most elections tend to involve the use of
weapons in attacking and destroying fellow politician who are contesting same post with them and women by nature
tend to be very tender in tackling such issues.
Women who are not strong enough to absorb the devastating effects of thuggery and political violence
against them have no other alternative than to withdraw from the contest; hence, the relatively general apathy of the
women folk. It is generally difficult for women to swim in the murky waters of politics. Those married cannot attend
midnight caucus meetings of the political parties where most often, major decisions are taken and offices that are
supposed to be thrown open for contest are shared. The matter is made worse if the husband is not political or the
immediate family is not supportive.
V. Conclusions and Recommendations
The socio-cultural practice and the level of education have negatively impacted on the status of women and
this has resulted in low political participation for women. The situation has also been worsened by the entrenched
patriarchal structures in the Nigerian political landscape with its attendant marginalization of women in the public
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arena. Instructively, that steady progress towards been hampered by lack of political will on the part of government
to consolidate on the gain achieved by women in the process of restoring a new political order devoid of
marginalization and inequality.
The way politics and governance are practiced in Nigeria discourage most women from active
participation; elections conducted were marred by electoral violence as they were not conducted in atmosphere of
electoral security. Many women are not committed to the electoral process and other political engagements. Nigeria
political systems and act of governance do not encourage mass participation; this is because of the political culture
of violence, intimidation, manipulation, sentiments, money politics, ignorance, corruption, deception and apathy that
characterized the political system.
There is marginal involvement of the women ranging from cultural issues, domestic responsibilities, low
level of education, financial constraints and political indifference, Purdah (i.e., house seclusion of women) are some
of the factors preventing women active participation in politics.
There is urgent need for political education in Nigeria for women especially those within the rural area.
Encouragement should also be given to the girl child after secondary school to proceed to tertiary level. More so,
political education should not be limited to the school system only. Both formal and informal approaches should be
adopted to orientate the citizens on the need to take active participation in the political systems. This will help to
erase the traditional gender stereotypes that have affected women involvement in politics. The women fold needs to
be intellectually empowered as a means of reducing the problem of gender inequality in the society. There is the
need for mass political enlightenment through the media, adult education programme and civil associations. This
will surely increase their knowledge in knowing how to prevent their constitutional right.
In order to have more important and encouragement for women participation in political position there
should be a re-orientation of women, especially to rally or support their fellow women. Since women are more in
number, constituting more than 50% of the world population which also reflects in the voter‟s registration, women
should pull their population together and win in all political position- if they seek so. Women need to be aggressive
in pressing for the implementation of the three important Gender policies in all electoral process in future (Nigerian
Gender Policy, Political Parties Gender Policies and INEC Gender Policy).
Government need to encourage women by institutionalizing affirmative actions against women political
marginalization and inequality, through its policies should encourage political parties to entrench in their
constitutions and manifestoes quota system which reserve certain percentage of political positions for women at all
levels of political structures, curb all acts of thuggery and violence associated with politics in order to give room for
free and fair credible elections that may stimulate women empowerment in politics.
There should also be an aggressive, sustained and all-year round mobilization, sensitization and civic
engagements targeted at the women should be carried out, this should be an elaborate campaign targeted all women,
especially those at the rural areas. More so, as the world evolves and the globalization continues to have effect on
our day to day lives, there is need for our societies to reflect on traditions that are retrogressive in nature and are not
founded on any religious principles. This belief that men are superior to women in politics should be considered an
archaic value that should be left in our distant past.
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American Journal Of Multidisciplinary Research & Review (AJMRR) 2022
A J M R R J o u r n a l P a g e | 17

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B131017.pdf. American Journal of Multidisciplinary Research and Review

  • 1. American Journal Of Multidisciplinary Research & Review (AJMRR) 2022 A J M R R J o u r n a l P a g e | 10 American Journal of Multidisciplinary Research & Review (AJMRR) Volume-01, Issue-03, pp-10-17 www.ajmrr.com Research Paper Open Access SOCIO-CULTURAL VALUES AND WOMEN POLITICAL PARTICIPATION IN NIGERIA 1 Chinwe Mariaceline Eze, 2 Mark, Kingsley Chinonso Department of Political Science, Faculty of Social Sciences, Nnamdi Azikiwe University Awka, Anambra State- Nigeria Department of Political Science, Faculty of Social Sciences, Nnamdi Azikiwe University Awka, Anambra State- Nigeria Abstract: The major thrust of this paper is to look at the socio-cultural values and women political participation, socio- cultural values that prevent them from actively participating in politics. The work made use of secondary data anchored on feminist theory of analysis. Comparatively, women constitute almost half of the population, despite their numerical significance; women do not actively participate in political activities. The rate at which men participate in politics is incredibly higher than their female counterparts. This is not to say, however, that there has not been a progressive increase in the trend of women participation in politics in terms of elections, but the participation is considered low, due to various inhibiting socio-cultural values, religious inclinations, low educational levels, Purdah (i.e. house seclusion of women) prevent women from intermingling freely with men during political activities. Consequently, only very few men allow their wives to come out and participate in politics which makes them second class citizens and inferior to men. This has significantly reduced the number of women in active political participation. Therefore, the study recommended among other things that there should be re-education and re- orientation of our men on the issues of patriarchal culture and stereotyping of sex role in the society. Patriarchy as a system recognizes the superiority of men over women; patriarchy has equally led to the unacceptability of women by men as leaders, the men should be sensitized towards indigenous cultural values concerning the status of women. There should also be urgent need for political education; expanding educational opportunities for women is another panacea in solving women marginalization in politics, especially beyond primary schools‟ level. This will surely increase their knowledge in knowing how to protect their constitutional right. Keywords: Politics, Women, Political participation, Socio-cultural values, Society. I. Introduction In any democratic society, equal political participation between male and female is vital to the sustainability of the system. Accordingly, each adult member of the society should have the inalienable right to participate in the decision-making of their society regardless of their sexes, openness and free participation of the citizenry in the process offers the medium through which those in position of authority know the interests, needs, and preferences of citizens and respond to grievances made to them through such channels (Burns, Schlozman & Verba, 2001) based on this, the benefits of women‟s participation in politics should not be in doubt. Efforts has been made by the government and non-government organizations to increase the level of political participation of women in line with the declaration made at the fourth world conference on women in Beijing, which advocated 30% affirmative actions. The National Gender Policy (NGP) recommended 35% of both elective and appointive political positions respectively (Agbalajobi, 2010). The political stability and development of any political system is a function of the awareness and positive involvement of the citizens in civic and political matters. In a political system, the citizens can be involved in the political process and decision making by joining political party, voting during election, participating in electoral campaign, community affairs and other political activities. The level and pattern of political participation of the citizens determine, to some extent, the success of the political system.
  • 2. American Journal Of Multidisciplinary Research & Review (AJMRR) 2022 A J M R R J o u r n a l P a g e | 11 Consequently, political participation, particularly in the electoral process, is a fundamental requirement of representative democracy. This is the reason whySoetan, (2014) emphasized that ideally, democracy means individual participation in the decision that involves one‟s life. In a democratic system, there is the necessity for the citizenry to be fully involved in the democratic procedures of the choice of rulers and effective communication of the public policies and attitudes. Any claim to democratic system must essentially embrace a high degree of competitive choice, openness, and enjoyment of civic and political liberties and political participation that involves all groups of the society (Arowolo & Aluko, 2010). Political participation is a sine qua non for democracy. Democracy involves a commitment to give both men and women equal opportunity to develop their individual capacities. It involves participation in the decisions that involve one‟s life. Participation involves those voluntary activities such as holding public and party office, being a candidate for office, attending election campaigns, voting and exposing oneself to political stimuli (Milbrath, 1965). One of the features of democratic governance is the involvement of the governed, the masses in the process of governance. Therefore, under democratic rule, the participation of individuals irrespective of social class or gender in politics is an enshrined norm and this includes the participation of women. Women constitute over half of the world‟s population and contribute in vital ways to societal development generally (Afolabi, 2003). Unfortunately, societal reality as emphasized by Anifowose (2004) is deeply rooted in the cultural beliefs and values of societies around the world. As a consequence, women have for long suffered various forms of gender discrimination, inequality and exclusion, especially in the area of politics (Agbalajobi, 2010). Their participation is one of the key elements of democracy which provides justification for inclusion in electoral competition; it will be meaningful only if the process is just, fair, permissive and level playing ground is guaranteed for possible ascension of women politically. However, women are at the lowest level in the pursuit of these democratic principles. In the hierarchy of political participation and involvement they are lagging behind because of the social, economic and political circumstances associated with participation. II. Women and Political Participation Political participation is the active involvement and engagement by individuals both women and men with political process that affect their lives. The act of active engagements includes voting, standing for office, joining of political party or to take part in the political campaigns of the political parties and to exert influence in the decision making process through public debate, and dialogue with the representatives they elected or through their capacity to organize themselves; or exercise public power by holding public office at different levels of administrations- local, regional, national and international. Political participation matters a great deal for women as a group and as individuals. Whether women work together to protest gender-based injustices or whether they participate in non-gender-specific associations and struggles, the most important group benefit from political participation is influence on decision-making to make public policies sensitive to the needs of the group in question. For groups, participation also builds social trust and capital, and provides a form of democratic apprenticeship; it offers socialization in the norms of reciprocity and cooperation, the capacity to gain broader perspectives on particular problems in order to develop a sense of the common good. For individuals, political participation builds civic skills, while successful lobbying can result in improvements in personal welfare and status. Explanations for the very slow progress women have made in gaining political office around the world have been multi-causal, including: their lack of time for politics due to their domestic obligations, their lack of socialization for politics, their lower social capital and weaker asset base than men owing to discrimination in schools and in the market, their under representation in the jobs that favor political careers, their marginalization within male- dominated parties, their inability to overcome male and incumbent bias in certain types of electoral systems (Rule, 1981; Kelly, 2019) Women‟s political participation is most often measured in terms of the numbers of women to be found in formal politics, in positions of public office to which they have been elected. This extremely crude measure is made even more so by the tendency to limit it to the numbers of women in the main legislative house at the national level, excluding not just numbers of women in regional and local government, but numbers of women elected as magistrates, members of the boards of public bodies such as schools or health facilities, and the like. The reasons for using this measure have to do with simple convenience. There are significant data gaps on numbers of women in
  • 3. American Journal Of Multidisciplinary Research & Review (AJMRR) 2022 A J M R R J o u r n a l P a g e | 12 local governments and other sub-national elected bodies around the world, and there is such wide variation in governance systems for sub-national communities and public bodies that they are barely comparable. Numbers of women in representative politics are not the best indicator of the extent and intensity of women‟s political participation because there is no necessary relationship between the two. Relatively large numbers of women were found in politics in socialist countries in periods when women‟s independent civil society activity was suppressed under single-party governments (Molyneux, 1985). Relatively large numbers of women are found in local governments in some countries in spite of the fact that the women‟s movement can be weak at these levels – for instance in France or Uganda, India and the USA, with the largest women‟s movements in the world (in terms of the sheer number and variety of women‟s organizations) have some of the lowest levels of women in national office (Matland & Brown, 1992). Numbers of women active in women‟s organizations, or at least numbers of women‟s organizations in a country, might be a better indicator of levels of women‟s political participation (Matland & Brown, 1992). Women are portrayed as weak and incapable of making smart decisions; they have been depicted to be only capable engaged in gossip and hear say, utterly incompetent and less intelligent. This was projected and reinforced through the years through male dominated institutions and patriarchal societies which internalizes the idea that the women are inferior in every aspect, it became hard for women to enter politics such attitudes towards the women still exist in societies all over the world today. Most of the time men are taking as bread winners, who have the authority to represent the family outside of their home while women are traditionally in charge of domestic chores (Kelly, 2019). The position and empowerment of women in society are hindered by negative attitudes perpetuating inequality affecting all aspects of their lives, there is a belief that the women are supposed to be led but not to be lead. A societal perception about leadership ability of women hinders the participation, the traditional attitudes towards gender equality influence women‟s advancement in political participation (Kelly, 2019). Women‟s political participation is best understood more broadly than numbers of women in office, and indeed, more broadly than numbers of women‟s organizations, as women may express their political interests through participation in a wide variety of political and civic associations. This definition includes voting, campaigning for a party or supporting party work through other means (e.g. policy development, membership drives), contacting policy-makers directly by writing or telephone, protest activities, getting involved in organizations that take a stand in politics, taking part in informal efforts to solve community problems, and serving in a voluntary capacity on local governing boards such as school or zoning boards (Agbalajobi, 2010). This definition is clearly culturally-specific; notions of citizen lobbying of representatives or participating in political campaigns apply best in democratic contexts that lack violence and corruption in political competition (particularly in electoral campaigns), and that have disciplined parties with internal democracy, clear programmers and positions. This narrow definition has also been criticized by feminist political scientists as being overly focused on individual political acts and for excluding the forms of public engagement favored by women. A recent cross-national study (146 countries) found that the number of national women‟s political organizations was unrelated to gender inequality in political representation (Kenworthy & Malami, 1999). This is an indication of a pattern that appears in other studies of women‟s political participation: the longer women have had access to the political sphere, the greater are the numbers of women in politics, this suggests a role model effect that encourages women to enter political activity, as well as a cultural effect whereby the political sphere becomes less hostile to women the longer it is exposed to them. Political participation accords right to rule, freedom of expression, and right of association, right to free flow of communication, right to influence decision process and right to social justice. It equally expresses such rights and demand for better social and health services, better working conditions and increase in wages. Ibrahim (2018) views political participation as those voluntary activities through which members of the society participate in rules get involve in selection of leaders and directly or indirectly participate in the formation of public policies. Political participation involves series of activities engaged by individual to influence in the decision making process. It is a general way through which the civic activities of the citizen are displayed in a true democracy. III. Theoretical Framework The study embraced the liberal feminist theory as propounded by Simon De Beauvoir & Mary Wollstonecraft. Feminism is the collective term for the systems of belief and theories that pay special attention to women‟s right and women‟s position in the society. They believed in social, economic and political equality of the sex. Feminist are united by the idea that women‟s positions in the society is equal to that of men, and that society is structured in such a way as to benefit men to the political, social and economic detriment of women. However,
  • 4. American Journal Of Multidisciplinary Research & Review (AJMRR) 2022 A J M R R J o u r n a l P a g e | 13 feminist have used different theories to explain these inequalities and have advocated different ways of redressing inequality nature of feminist and there are marked geographic and historical variations. Feminist are united by the idea that women‟s position in society is equal to that of men, and that the society is structured in such a way as to benefit men to the political, social and economic detriment of women. Feminism help to explain the topic as the theory reveals evident on the fact that women are not equally accorded similar opportunity with the male counterpart owning to the fact that they are considered out of historical, biological and cultural values the weaker sex. This has dent the socio-political and economic essence of social existence. It bedevils the foundation on which their qualities are relegated only to domestic consequences. IV. SOCIO-CULTURAL VALUE AND WOMEN POLITICAL PARTICIPATION Women‟s ability to engage politically both within and beyond the voting booth particularly as community organizers and elected officials is often shaped by norms that drive wider social structures. Cultural values and cultural attitudes especially as regards women‟s roles and status in society remain strong, particularly in Africa and Nigeria in Particular (Arowolo & Aluko, 2010). Cultural values and the division of labour are still clearly gendered. Social norms that make it more difficult for women to leave their traditionally domestic roles for more public roles outside of the home (Kelly, 2019). Cultural value is a powerful influencer of once belief, understandings and perceptions of reality (Schein, 2010). In this sense, it also impacts behavior and social dynamics. Schein (2010) explains culture as a dynamic phenomenon based on what is happening in the present while simultaneously recognizing the background inherent structures of our organizations. “When we learn to see the world through cultural lenses, all kinds of things begin to make senses that initially were mysterious, frustrating or seemingly stupid” (Schein, 2010:13). Some of these factors are identified as a function of natural status of women, while others are man-made deliberately designed by their male counterparts to further confine a woman to sedentary activities. Flaring from the analysis is due to a number of factors, such as socio-cultural determinant which established women‟s domain in the private sphere. A vast number of barriers are imposed on women active participation in politics by cultural practices. The society in general is permeated by patriarchy whereby women are expected to conform to and confine themselves to male dominance and female subservience, giving the men a higher social status over females has crept into public life which reflects in state activities. The family plays an important role in maintaining the patriarchal order across generations. Patriarchy as an aspect of culture; is an important concept in explaining gender inequality. It refers to a society ruled and dominated by men over women, giving men a higher social status over the females. Patriarchal nature provided women with fewer chances to acquire property, having access to education, health facilities, and work especially in rural areas and more significantly, they have no access and opportunities to participate in politics (Matland & Brown, 1992). Religion& Cultural Norms: Religion is a source of cultural beliefs noted in this work as the reason for their in- active participation in politic. The major religions of the world are differently conservative or patriarchal in their views about the place of women both in the church hierarchy and in the society which significantly enhances women political participation (Dim & Asomah, 2019). Religion and culture has played a role in politics, including influencing women‟s political participation. Those influence results from the role women play which invariably modulating women public agency. It reinforces practices which inhibit their active involvement in politics (Kelly, 2019). Almost all the political parties build their structures and functionalities around religion and cultural norms, thereby resulting in enshrining some forms of gender inequalities (Orji, Orji & Agbanyim, 2018). Hence, religion has a negative impact at women‟s status in the society and limits their opportunities in politics and in public life. Religion is one of the anachronistic cultural beliefs in many communities in the country that excludes women from the mainstream of leadership. In most religion, power and authority is believed that divinity belong to men hence subjugating women. All these religion sects are known to be mostly against women participation in politics either overtly or covertly (Human rights watch, 2013). Islam is even most strict than some other Christian groups in its opposition to women political participation. Moslem is traditionally restricted from engaging in certain simple task that the mere mention of harboring a political ambition by a woman can be viewed as sacrilegious, this religions indoctrination which are prevalent in society hinders women taking active part in politics (Orji et al, 2018). Religious practices are used as powerful instruments of stereotype against the women political aspirants/politicians from active participation in politics. The Purdah system (i.e. house seclusion of women) of the Islamic doctrines strictly bars women from participating in politics. However, when it comes to the issue of political
  • 5. American Journal Of Multidisciplinary Research & Review (AJMRR) 2022 A J M R R J o u r n a l P a g e | 14 leadership and formulation of government policies women‟s role in Islam is limited to supportive and advisory. It is believed that Muslim women should stay off the course that will bring her into close contact with the male adult who is neither her husband nor her blood relation and this have made most women to be wary and even refused out- rightly to be actively involved in politics which will invariably bring them in close contact to the male counterpart. In most cases men used the name of religion to justify their dominance on women and the need for the women to remain a mere tool in their hands (Ibrahim, 2018). The invocation of religious doctrines to limit and strip the women of some of their rights, including that which allows the women to participate in politics without contravening any religious doctrine is very common and this serves as another justification for the inactive political participation. Another factor is the wrong perception of women in politics. Women who are actively involved in politics are often seen and treated as free women (prostitutes/wayward) of easy virtues, stubborn people, whores, too domineering, cultural rebellions, etc. it is observed that during campaign, the political opponents (mostly men) use the alleged loose moral standing of these women against then and often insult them directly in public. Thus they are often subjected to public ridicule and are socially stigmatized by both men and women. The use of negative labeling, derogatory names, abusive language and expressions to describe the women in politics discourage many of them from active participation. Education: To educate means to train the mind, character and abilities of individuals. Education is fundamental human rights that should be availed to all citizens irrespective of age, sex and nationality (Goetz, 2003). Education is the key to solving the problem of women‟s low political participation, women political participation is low because their access to education is low (Dim & Asomah, 2019). Scholars believe that if access to education is improved, other factor such as prejudice and discrimination against women in politics will be addressed (Orji et al, 2018). Very few educated women take active participation in politics because of society‟s negative perception of women; there are some limitations such as tradition, customs, socio-cultural values, ethics, motherhood instincts are factors influencing gender bias in the education sector. Cultural and social beliefs, attitudes and practices prevent women from benefiting from educational opportunities to the same extent as the men (Goetz, 2003). Education is seen as a fear of change, the fear of becoming even greater, and fear to lose the cultural identity, fear of moving towards the unknown or unwanted. Education is an instrument per excellence for effective development, and a dynamic instrument of change and also the basis for the full promotion and improvement of the status of women. However, it is culturally assumed that women must seek permission from the men/husbands before venturing into politics and if such permission is not granted, the only option for, such woman is to drop their political ambitions. Thus must family members especially husbands even among the educated ones do not allow women/wives to participate actively in politics (Luka, 2011). Many poor women political aspirants do not enjoy family support financially, socially and otherwise (Rule, 1981). More so, those political aspirants/politicians lack support from their fellow women politically which is a major challenge to their active participation in politics (Rule, 1981). It is unfortunate that women in some part do not have expected confidence in the leadership abilities of their fellow women and do not support them to win elections. Although, factors like envy, jealousy, and other problems associated with interpersonal relations are common with women generally, most women would rather vote or support men to win election than their fellow women in spite of their numerical strength. Moreover, the women are scared away from politics because of the brutality and thuggery associated with politics. The politicians do not have the culture of accepting defeats and most elections tend to involve the use of weapons in attacking and destroying fellow politician who are contesting same post with them and women by nature tend to be very tender in tackling such issues. Women who are not strong enough to absorb the devastating effects of thuggery and political violence against them have no other alternative than to withdraw from the contest; hence, the relatively general apathy of the women folk. It is generally difficult for women to swim in the murky waters of politics. Those married cannot attend midnight caucus meetings of the political parties where most often, major decisions are taken and offices that are supposed to be thrown open for contest are shared. The matter is made worse if the husband is not political or the immediate family is not supportive. V. Conclusions and Recommendations The socio-cultural practice and the level of education have negatively impacted on the status of women and this has resulted in low political participation for women. The situation has also been worsened by the entrenched patriarchal structures in the Nigerian political landscape with its attendant marginalization of women in the public
  • 6. American Journal Of Multidisciplinary Research & Review (AJMRR) 2022 A J M R R J o u r n a l P a g e | 15 arena. Instructively, that steady progress towards been hampered by lack of political will on the part of government to consolidate on the gain achieved by women in the process of restoring a new political order devoid of marginalization and inequality. The way politics and governance are practiced in Nigeria discourage most women from active participation; elections conducted were marred by electoral violence as they were not conducted in atmosphere of electoral security. Many women are not committed to the electoral process and other political engagements. Nigeria political systems and act of governance do not encourage mass participation; this is because of the political culture of violence, intimidation, manipulation, sentiments, money politics, ignorance, corruption, deception and apathy that characterized the political system. There is marginal involvement of the women ranging from cultural issues, domestic responsibilities, low level of education, financial constraints and political indifference, Purdah (i.e., house seclusion of women) are some of the factors preventing women active participation in politics. There is urgent need for political education in Nigeria for women especially those within the rural area. Encouragement should also be given to the girl child after secondary school to proceed to tertiary level. More so, political education should not be limited to the school system only. Both formal and informal approaches should be adopted to orientate the citizens on the need to take active participation in the political systems. This will help to erase the traditional gender stereotypes that have affected women involvement in politics. The women fold needs to be intellectually empowered as a means of reducing the problem of gender inequality in the society. There is the need for mass political enlightenment through the media, adult education programme and civil associations. This will surely increase their knowledge in knowing how to prevent their constitutional right. In order to have more important and encouragement for women participation in political position there should be a re-orientation of women, especially to rally or support their fellow women. Since women are more in number, constituting more than 50% of the world population which also reflects in the voter‟s registration, women should pull their population together and win in all political position- if they seek so. Women need to be aggressive in pressing for the implementation of the three important Gender policies in all electoral process in future (Nigerian Gender Policy, Political Parties Gender Policies and INEC Gender Policy). Government need to encourage women by institutionalizing affirmative actions against women political marginalization and inequality, through its policies should encourage political parties to entrench in their constitutions and manifestoes quota system which reserve certain percentage of political positions for women at all levels of political structures, curb all acts of thuggery and violence associated with politics in order to give room for free and fair credible elections that may stimulate women empowerment in politics. There should also be an aggressive, sustained and all-year round mobilization, sensitization and civic engagements targeted at the women should be carried out, this should be an elaborate campaign targeted all women, especially those at the rural areas. 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