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Summary
The intersection of gender and politics in Nigeria reveals a persistent struggle for women's political participation, hindered by historical inequalities, patriarchal norms, and systemic barriers, yet driven forward by feminist activism, legal reforms, and grassroots movements advocating for gender equality.
Nigeria, a nation struggling with the intricate challenges of development and social change, presents a compelling case study for examining the intersection of women, feminism, gender, and politics. While women constitute nearly half of the Nigerian population, their participation in political processes and their access to decision-making power remain significantly limited.
This essay analyses the different dimensions of this intersection, exploring the historical context, contemporary challenges, and potential pathways for achieving gender equality in the political sphere. Historically, Nigerian women have played crucial roles in traditional and modern political spheres. In pre-colonial societies, women held positions of influence, participating in economic activities, social governance, and spiritual leadership.
Figures like Queen Amina of Zazzau and the women who led the famous Aba Women’s Riot in 1929 demonstrated women’s capacity for political mobilisation and resistance. However, the imposition of colonial rule disrupted these traditional structures, introducing new forms of patriarchal governance that marginalised women and limited their political participation. Colonial policies reinforced gendered divisions of labour and power, creating a legacy of inequality. The fight against colonial oppression saw the rise of formidable female figures who bridged traditional resistance with modern political activism.
Funmilayo Ransome-Kuti stands as a towering example. Her activism, rooted in the specific concerns of women in Abeokuta, transcended local issues to challenge colonial authority and advocate for broader social justice. Ransome-Kuti’s leadership of the Abeokuta Women’s Union (AWU) demonstrated the power of organised women’s movements in demanding accountability and challenging oppressive systems. Her campaigns against unfair taxation and the autocratic rule of the Alake of Abeokuta highlighted the intersection of gender, class, and political power. Her efforts were not simply about women’s rights but about the fundamental rights of all Nigerians to participate in shaping their destinies. This work laid a foundation for future generations of Nigerian feminists, demonstrating that women’s political and social action could be a powerful force for social change.
The post-colonial era witnessed the emergence of intersectional feminist movements in Nigeria, driven by women’s growing awareness of their rights and determination to challenge systemic inequalities. Feminist activism, building on the foundations laid by historical figures like Ransome-Kuti, focused on issues such as access to education, political representation, and economic empowerment. Organisations like the National Council of Women’s Societies (NCWS) were pivotal in advocating for women’s rights and raising awareness about gender-based discrimination. However, these movements were often criticised for their focus on the concerns of urban, middle-class women, usually referred to as “girl boss feminism,” neglecting the experiences of women in rural areas and marginalised communities. This limited perspective hindered the development of a genuinely inclusive feminist agenda. Contemporary Nigerian feminism is often characterised by its diversity and its engagement with a wide range of issues.
The rise of social media and the internet has provided new platforms for feminist activism, enabling women to connect, share their experiences, and mobilise for change. This has resulted in a new generation of feminist activists who challenge traditional norms and advocate for a more intersectional approach to gender equality. The #BringBackOurGirls campaign, which demanded the release of kidnapped schoolgirls from Chibok, demonstrated the power of social media in mobilising national and international attention to gender-based violence and the importance of women’s security as it got the attention of the First Lady of the United States at the time, Michelle Obama who positively amplified the campaign.
Despite these advancements, women’s political participation in Nigeria remains substantially constrained due to male dominance and the numerous barriers women face within the political landscape, including cultural norms, religious beliefs, financial limitations, and a lack of social support. A clear, ongoing example is the social harassment of Senator Natasha Akpoti, a serving senator representing the Kogi Central Senatorial District in the 10th Nigerian National Assembly. She is being vilified publicly for rejecting the sexual advances of the Nigerian Senate President, Godswill Akpabio and daring to speak out about it. The persistence of patriarchal attitudes and practices within political parties and institutions further hinders women’s advancement. The electoral process itself, often marred by corruption, violence and intimidation, disproportionately affects women candidates and voters as they are compelled to withdraw due to threats to their lives and safety.
The country’s complex socio-economic backdrop also shapes the intersection of gender and politics in Nigeria. Poverty, illiteracy, and limited access to resources disproportionately affect women, hindering their ability to participate fully in political processes. The lack of adequate infrastructure and social services further exacerbates these challenges, particularly in rural areas. Religious and ethnic divisions also create additional barriers for women; this is especially true for those from minority groups.
Section 42 of the Nigerian constitution guarantees gender equality and prohibits discrimination on the basis of sex. However, the implementation of these provisions remains weak or non-existent while discriminatory laws and practices persist as the lack of political will to enforce gender-sensitive policies further hampers progress towards gender equality. The Same Sex Marriage Prohibition Act (SSMPA) of 2014, while primarily targeting same-sex relationships, also contributes to a climate of fear and discrimination that affects women who challenge traditional gender norms. To achieve genuine gender equality in the political sphere, Nigeria needs to adopt a comprehensive approach. This approach must include strengthening legal frameworks to protect women’s rights, promoting women’s economic empowerment, and challenging harmful cultural norms and stereotypes. Education plays a crucial role in transforming attitudes and behaviours, and investing in girls’ education is essential for empowering future generations of women. Engaging men and boys in the conversation about gender equality is also vital for creating a more equitable society. Fostering a robust civil society is critical for advancing women’s political participation. This can be done by supporting women’s organisations and feminist movements, which are essential for amplifying women’s voices and holding the government accountable; strategic partnerships with international organisations and development agencies can also provide valuable resources and expertise.
The political landscape in Nigeria requires considerable reform. These are only a few foundational steps to rectify this decay: increasing women’s representation in government and decision-making bodies to ensure their voices are heard. Their needs must be addressed, and gender-sensitive budgeting and policies must be implemented to ensure that public resources are allocated equitably. Quotas or other affirmative action policy measures must also be adopted to accelerate women’s social and political participation significantly.
In conclusion, the intersection of women, feminism, gender, and politics in Nigeria is a complex and dynamic field. The legacy of Funmilayo Ransome-Kuti and her contemporaries is a powerful reminder of the potential for women’s political action to drive social change. While significant challenges remain, the resilience and determination of Nigerian women, as evidenced by their continued fight for equality, offer hope for a more equitable future.
By adopting a genuinely intersectional approach, challenging patriarchal norms, and empowering women in all spheres of life, Nigeria can create a society where women have equal opportunities to participate in and shape the political landscape. The journey towards gender equality in politics is continuous, demanding sustained commitment and collective action from all stakeholders.
