WOMEN INVOLVEMENT IN POLITICS AND SUSTAINABLE DEMOCRATIC DEVELOPMENT IN NIGERIA

Abstract

Development is a multiplicity social discourse which permeates every aspect of human existence, while, sustainable development is a kind of development that takes care of the basic needs of the present generation without compromising the interest of the next generation, whether economic, political, or social. Therefore, women involvement in politics, governance and democratic development in Nigeria should not be misinterpreted as deviation to social practice. Many barriers responsible for seemingly unsuccessful women participation in politics, particularly in Nigeria. The study x-rays theoretically and empirically critiquing three parallel philosophies. Firstly, “the experiences of oppression and marginalization faced by women in Western societies is not a universal phenomenon- Oyeronke Oyewunmi”. Contrarily: “that women’s oppression and marginalization have been a fundamental feature of African patriarchal societies since the earliest times -Sylvia Tamale, Bibi Bakare-Yusuf” and thirdly: “the subjugation of women was both created and worsened by the colonial experience-Ifi Amadiume and Ayesha Imam”. These assertions were critiqued and reinforced by Talcott Parsons’ Functionalism perspectives and Eisa Arcaute, et al – Ants model. Both emphasizes synergy in human relationship. Empirically, the study torchlight the cultural impact and child bearing in Dukku L/GA, Gombe state, Nigeria. Conclusively, the bane of motherhood, childbearing and economy care heavily despair women’s participation in governance, especially among economic constraint families in the society. The paper’s recommendation, is the need to strengthened ingredients of African culture, stimulating women representations in governance both in the rural and urban settings, which the SDGs 5 - achieving gender equity underscored.