GENDER POLITICS AND SOCIO-POLITICAL CRISIS IN NIGERIA. A STUDY OF DELTA STATE 2019-2023

This study is an assessment of gender politics and socio-political crises in Delta State, Nigeria, (2019--2023).focusing on how patriarchal structures, cultural norms, and systemic exclusion influence women's political participation and vulnerability during periods of instability. The study adopted feminism theory for proper explanation. The method adopted in this research qualitative method, and the design used is historical or descriptive design. The study is a critical and systematic analysis of secondary data extracted from relevant literature.The study area, Delta State, is characterized by multi-ethnic composition, environmental degradation due to oil exploration, and persistent socio-political unrest, all of which disproportionately affect women. The findings reveal that women's roles in politics remain largely symbolic which deeply rooted patriarchal norms, socio-political crises, particularly those related to resource control, exacerbate their economic and social marginalization. On the basis of these findings, the recommendations were made that resolving the issues demands an integrated approach that includes gender-sensitive reforms, inclusive governance frameworks, and the dismantling of structural inequalities. The study provides a robust legal institutional frameworks to enforce gender equity, political party reforms to support women's leadership, and the active inclusion of women in peacebuilding and political decision-making processes.