Women in Leadership: Advancing Gender Balance in Nigeria Political Landscape

Abstract

This study examined the persistent gender disparity in Nigeria's political leadership, focusing on women's limited representation despite ongoing efforts for gender equality. Nigeria's intricate socio-cultural landscape serves as a backdrop to this issue, highlighting the need for a nuanced understanding of the challenges faced by women in political leadership since 1999. This study adopts a content analysis approach to scrutinize women's position in Nigerian politics. Qualitative data are drawn from a diverse range of sources including journals, newspapers, books, online platforms, and case studies. The aim is to comprehensively examine the status of women in political leadership, identify barriers and challenges, and explore strategies to advance gender balance. The analysis underscores a multifaceted set of challenges that impede women's progress in Nigerian political leadership. The theoretical framework of social constructivism highlighted the influence of societal norms on women's opportunities in leadership.  Cultural and societal norms perpetuated traditional gender roles, limiting women's political participation. Structural barriers, including biased party dynamics and inadequate resources, hinder their entry into political spheres. Violence and intimidation further undermine their engagement. Despite efforts such as quota systems, progress has been modest, with media representation often reinforcing stereotypes. The study's findings underscore the necessity of a holistic approach to address gender disparities in Nigerian politics. Legal reforms, education, cultural shifts, and targeted support are vital components in empowering women to overcome these barriers. Collaborative efforts involving government, civil society, media, and men as allies are crucial in shaping an inclusive political environment.