WOMEN POLITICAL PARTICIPATION AND NATIONAL DEVELOPMENT IN NIGERIA (2007-2011)
CHAPTER ONE
INTRODUCTION
1.1 BACKGROUND OF THE STUDY
The fate of the Nigeria women for the past 45 years cannot be described as the best but it can be said to be much better than what is obtainable in some third world countries. It is of a believe that women are sex symbols whose paramount place is either in the kitchen or in their husband’s bed, the Nigeria women have blossomed into what can comfortably be described as independent for over forty five (45) years after Nigeria’s independence. Women accepted whatever attitude, belief, biases and treatment meted out to them until recently when Nigerian women have gradually become more aware of this right and
places in society. To the average Nigeria man, any woman who knows her political rights and asks is quickly regarded as “Tomboyish” and quickly labeled “woman rebel” during the colonial era, much was not heard of woman in Nigerian politics except few occasion when they stood their ground to protest one incident or another. In Africa, women had made history in politics often times, it is associated with violence and military incursion for example, in 1929 over 10,000 ibibio and Igbo
women reacted over taxation rumor which resulted into the killing of about 26 of them.
In 1973, the agitation from the Northern Nigeria women brought about formation of Northern People Congress (NPC) and Northern Elements of Progressive Union (NEPU). The world body recognizes that women need a sort of special support in view of the fact that they are often discriminated against in many part of the world even the so-called civilized world.
The above statement had established that fact that all over the world women are discriminated against and need special training, support and encouragement to attain political heights like their male counterparts.
In Nigeria, the women folk has been greatly alienated, discriminated, subjected and non inclusive in the general administration of the state affairs. The female folk on their side have been on constant agitation and struggle for economic improvement and social recognition within the state polity. The research works will then unveil the nature and character of the Nigerian politics with a view at assessing the degree of women participation and training in political activities of the state. At the end of the assessment workable solutions will be preferred on how best to improve their lot in the country especially
with regard to political participation
