IMPACT OF GENDER BASED VIOLENCE IN SHAPING WOMEN’S ELECTORAL PARTICIPATION IN NIGERIA’S FOURTH REPUBLIC

ABSTRACT Gender-based violence (GBV) in political settings are symptomatic of harmful practices such as physical, emotional, and psychological assaults, generally against certain gender. In Nigeria’s Fourth Republic, violence has principally impeded women’s political engagement, resulting in systematic underrepresentation in parliament, which has continued to attract scholarly attention. This study examined the effects of assault, harassment, discrimination and intimidation on female participation in elections. Descriptive design was used. Feminist Marry Wollstonecraft and Structural Violence by Johan Gaultg served as the framework. Data were collected using structured questionnaires, which were administered to 300 female politicians of 2 major political parties in Nigeria. Data were analysed using Statistical Package for Social Sciences (SPSS). Harassment and intimidation were notable factors discouraging women from contesting political seats, limiting their horizon to contribute positively to the democratic process. GBV not only deterred women from participating in politics but also tainted inclusivity in Nigeria’s political system. These findings aver that in the absence of solutions to the problems, gender inequality in politics will continue to thrive. There is need to provide female candidates with specialised support mechanisms, ensure enforcement of gender-sensitive reforms that will cut across political parties, and reinforce the existing laws against political violence to facilitate an enabling environment for women to be active or fully participate in the electoral process. Keywords: Gender-Based violence, Political parties, Gender inequality, Electoral participation, Political intimidation