IMPROVING GENDER EQUALITY IN PUBLIC POLICY MAKING:A CASE STUDY OF ENUGU NORTH LOCAL GOVERNMENT AREA 2017-2024

This study investigated how gender equality can be improved in public policymaking within between 2017 2024. The primary objective was to examine four key dimensions of level s inclusion public processes, barriers limiting their participation, the institutional efforts to promote gender equity, and public perceptions regarding women in governance. Data was collected from 400 residents across the 12 political wards of Enugu North using employed analysis involved the use of descriptive statistics, primarily frequencies, percentages, and mean scores, alongside inferential statistics including one-sample t-tests. The findings revealed a moderate but significant level of gender inclusion and strong agreement that persistently limit policy processes. Additionally, the study found that institutional efforts to promote gender equality remain weak, while public perception is generally favorable but not strongly backed by community action or support during elections. The study concluded that improving gender equality in policymaking requires both institutional commitment and cultural reorientation. local should mainstream gender budgeting, institutionalize political quotas, and work collaboratively with civil society to promote inclusive governance at the grassroots. Keywords: Gender equality, policymaking, women’s participation, public governance, institutional effort, Enugu