Browsing by Author "Harriet Uche NWEKE"

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    Women Political Representation and Gender Equality in Southern Nigeria 2015-2024
    (Lead City University, Ibadan, 2025-12) Harriet Uche NWEKE
    This study examined women political representation and gender equality in Southern Nigeria, with a specific focus on Sustainable Development Goal 5 (SDG5) aiming at achieving Gender Equality by 2030. Theoretically, the study reviewed the Feminist, Equity and the Systems perspectives of the research topic. The descriptive research design was adopted in this research. The data analyzed in this research were largely sourced primarily. The data was gathered through a structured interview and discussions. The department of women Affairs of 4 Southern Nigeria states including Lagos, Osun, Delta, and Anambra were visited and data capturing names of women that were appointed as commissioners and special advisers from 2016 till present was gathered. 32 women politicians from these states were interviewed with 19 structured interview questions. Also focus group discussion [FGD] was carried out involving 44 participants in 4 rural communities. The results of the findings showed that the exclusion of women from politics in this region has significantly impacted women political representation. The findings revealed that the rate of women political representation in Southern Nigeria is disproportionately low. Women of Southern Nigeria were also found to be supportive in the course to achieving SDG5 by 2030 via their contributions and roles. Finally, the study found that there are multiple interrelated barriers to increasing women political engagement. The study however, concluded that the achievement of the SDG5 by 2030 is possible, depending on the actions and policies of the government, the policy makers, and various agencies saddled with matters concerning politics and national development. The study then recommended that the government should strengthen legal and policy frameworks by approving and maintaining gender-responsive legislations, expand educational and capacity building initiatives, foster cultural and social change, Also, the government and political parties should provide financial support for women and enforce democratic fairness. Keywords: Women, Political representation, Gender equality, Sustainable Development Goal 5, Southern Nigeria. Word Count: 300