WOMEN'S POLITICAL PARTICIPATION AND NATIONAL DEVELOPMENT IN NIGERIA. (A CASE STUDY OF IFE EAST LOCAL GOVERNMENT, OSUN STATE.)

Abstract

            Gender equality and human development in a society bring about development. This paper examines the factors that affect women’s political participation in Nigeria. The paper examines constraints, including financial constraints, religious beliefs, customs and traditions, gender roles, and educational background, that affect females. The study employed a descriptive survey research design. The target population is estimated to be women in the Ife East Local Government Area of Osun State. The sample size is 200 respondents selected through a simple random sampling technique. The study used questionnaires for data collection. The questionnaire titled “Women Political Participation in Ife East Local Govt” has two sections, A and B. The collected data were analyzed using the mean to answer the research questions, while a t-test was used to test the null hypothesis at a 0.05 level of significance. A mean criterion of 2.50 and above was retained, while a mean below 2.50 was rejected. The null hypothesis was rejected. It implied that women's political participation has a significant influence on national development in Osun State. Additionally, the results show that women who participated in the previous government from my community do not significantly influence national development. In conclusion, the culture of male supremacy has roots in local traditions, and it is affecting women's participation and insecurity, too. It was recommended that the quota system must always be reaffirmed and adhered to across all levels of government. There must be a reform of political parties that should tilt towards women needs interests.