GENDER INEQAULITY AND WOMEN’S PARTICIPATION IN NIGERIAN POLITICS: A STUDY OF IMO STATE, 2015 – 2023

This study examined the relationship between gender inequality and women’s participation in Nigerian politics, with focus on Imo State. Against the argument of some liberal scholars and analysts in favour of gender equality in Nigeria reflected in the full participation of women in politics, this study argued that gender inequality has adversely affected women participation in politics in Nigeria and in Imo State in particular. Among others, the study was aimed at examining the impact of gender inequality on the participation of women in politics, focusing on Imo State. While the study adopted the Patriarchy Theory as its theoretical framework, both the qualitative and quantitative methods of gathering and analyzing data in the form of review of existing related literatures and administering questionnaires respectively were used in the study. Findings from the study revealed that apart from violence, corruption, pursuit of self-satisfaction, unequal treatment in favour of men over women, etc. also contribute to the less involvement of women in Nigerian politics. The study then concluded that the less participation of women in politics both in Nigeria at large and in Imo State in particular has reached the bearing root and its adverse effect on the development of women and the people at grassroots has direct bearing on the local people such that the silence of the majority of the women in Nigeria in matters of national interest is visibly displayed in almost every locality. The study therefore recommended among many others, that there should be level playing grounds across every facet of our political life to pave the way for full participation of women in politics to enable women contribute their quota in nation-building.