Women often face unique barriers in elective politics, such as a lack of support and mentoring, that put them at a significant disadvantage compared to their male counterparts. This is something often not well understood by voters, who can be unaware of the benefits of having a mixture of men and women in government. Instead, many still hold perception based on unfair stereotypes of over-ambitious women. This is the case in Nigeria, where such views have contributed to a low level of representation of women in all levels of government. This paper reflects on the issue in the context of the 2015 general elections, identifying the problems women candidates faced, and examining the theoretical perspective of the discrimination and inequality suffered by women in the the political realm. Finally, the author makes recommendations for improving women’s political participation and empowerment.
The 2015 general elections saw women come out as big losers, with just fourteen women representatives, eight women senators, and four women deputy governors elected. Additionally, the only woman presidential candidate polled 12th out of fourteen, while the only viable woman gubernatorial candidate also lost in Taraba State. To explain these results, the paper first provides a literature review of conceptual and theoretical issues concerning empowerment, equality, and women’s participation in politics. This provides the context for a subsequent detailed analysis of the election contests and results, and how these sex-disaggregated figures compare to the 2011 elections.
The paper then goes on to discuss the challenges faced by women in the 2015 general election. To a degree, some are universal challenges, as evidenced by the low levels of women’s representation in some long-established democracies in developed European nations. Yet beyond this, Nigerian women suffer from a lack of internal democracy within political parties, with male-dominated party executives lacking the will to implement measures to aid women’s aspirations. Political violence, which in 2015 included a number of deaths of party agents and voters, conspires to put women at a disadvantage in exercising their rights, while women also have to surmount highly restrictive cultural and religious barriers.
The paper concludes that there has been no marked improvement in the performance of women in the 2015 elections, as compared to previous years. This comes in spite of expectations from scholars, analysts, and the media who, referring to the deepening of Nigerian democracy, predicted women would fare better than they did. More disappointing still is the context of significant preparations during the build up to the election aimed at educating and empowering women candidates and voters. Overall, Nigerian women remain vastly under-represented following an election “of men, by men and for men”.
Looking ahead, the author has a number of recommendations aimed at increasing women’s participation in politics, and their representation in government:
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In order to reduce the level of violence, political parties must commit to non-violent campaigning, including desisting from the use of hate speech.
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With emphasis from government, all political parties should offer education and training on women’s political participation and their impact on democracy and good governance. Furthermore, gender-sensitive provisions must be included in parties’ constitutions and manifestos to help mainstream gender into party activities.
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The state must safeguard the free movement, expression, and assembly of all citizens, especially women, during and even after elections.
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Perpetrators of political violence must be held accountable, preferably through a dedicated special tribunal, and including adequate compensation for victims.
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The report commissioned by President Goodluck Jonathan on the post election violence in 2011 should be made public, and its recommendations fully implemented.
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The establishment of a Women’s Political Institute is required, where all parties and female candidates could receive skills training and education.
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Women activists and groups must remain active in advocating for electoral reform, including tighter financial accountability and the adoption of affirmative action in the form of gender and disability quotas.