Increase In Gender Imbalance In Governance: Implications For Sustainable Development in Nigeria.

Abstract

The paper x-rayed gender imbalance in governance in Nigeria. Efforts were made to conceptualize gender, gender imbalance and governance. The paper also examined the history of women participation in governance, the scope of women participation in governance and the challenges confronting women participation in governance in Nigeria. The paper established that while women’s role in governance dates back in history, their  participation  in politics has been historically hampered by their socio-economic status, cultural bias, lack of party support, the patriarchal system, poor public perception of women in politics, zero sum nature of politics in Nigeria and absence of a deep democratic structure, amongst others. Against these findings, some recommendations were made. Support network and prospective role models; Through the identification of aspirants and pairing them with established women politicians; Playing a mentoring role and providing capacity building training to young or aspiring female politicians; Building a Coalition of NGOs and Grassroots women associations that coordinate the support and advocacy for women aspirants;  Creative environment that allows women to engage in decision making processes in a sustainable and effective way free from political harassment and violence; and Establishment of legal funds to enable women politicians to challenge electoral malpractices. Finally, there is the need to identify and engage relevant stake holders such as the Independent National Electoral Commission and political parties in introducing quota for women in the democratic process.