WOMEN EMPOWERMENT AND POLITICAL PARTICIPATION IN NIGERIA: AN ASSESSMENT OF SUSTAINABLE DEVELOPMENT GOALS (SDG 5)

ABSTRACT This study critically examines women’s empowerment and political participation in Nigeria, situating its analysis within the framework of Sustainable Development Goal 5 (SDG 5), which emphasizes gender equality and inclusive decision-making. Despite Nigeria’s constitutional guarantees and its commitment to international conventions like CEDAW and the SDGs, women’s representation in political leadership remains strikingly low, with structural, cultural, and economic barriers impeding progress. Drawing on feminist and political participation theories, this research explores the complex interplay of patriarchal norms, inadequate financial resources, entrenched political networks, and institutional shortcomings that collectively restrict Nigerian women’s active engagement in politics. Utilizing a qualitative methodology grounded in secondary data sources,such asscholarly articles, policy documents, and reportsfrom international organizations, the study identifies persistent gaps between Nigeria’s formal policy commitments and the lived realities of women. Findings reveal that while initiatives like the National Gender Policy and advocacy by NGOs have made incremental impacts, they lack robust enforcement and often fail to challenge deeply rooted societal attitudes. The study underscores the multifaceted consequences of women’s political marginalization, including weakened democratic legitimacy, hindered socio-economic development, and perpetuation of gender inequalities. It concludes by advocating for comprehensive reforms, legal mandates for gender quotas, strategic capacitybuilding, and transformative cultural reorientation, to foster an environment where women can participate fully and equally in political life. By highlighting these critical issues, the study contributes valuable insights toward aligning Nigeria’s gender equity efforts with the aspirations of SDG 5, ultimately envisioning a more inclusive and representative governance landscape. Keywords: Women’s empowerment, political participation, gender equality, SDG 5, Nig