ADVANCING THE RIGHTS OF WOMEN BEYOND THEIR CHALLENGES IN THE NIGERIAN POLITICAL SCENE: A FOCUS ON THE AFFIRMATIVE ACTION

Abstract

This study focused on advancing the Rights of women beyond their challenges in the Nigerian political scene vis-à-vis the affirmative action rule. The specific objectives were to critically examine the concept and indices of women political participation, arguments for minority rule in favour of women, theories on women’s interests in the parliament, international concern for women in political affairs, government’s response to women participation in politics, Nigerian women participation in politics based on minority rule and affirmative action and impact of women participation in politics. These also defined the scope and limitation of the study. The research design and methodology was doctrinal approach, using analytical and descriptive research methodology. The main sources of data collection were various legal documents and materials, both from the library and internet. For the summary of findings, it was submitted that discrimination against women resulting in their exploitation was traced to so many militating factors not limited to patriarchal hegemony, and that despite these many social ills against women, they still participate in political activities in various forms though in a few number. It was therefore observed among others that the active participation of women, on equal terms with men, at all levels of decision-making is essential to the achievement of equality, sustainable development, peace and democracy. Sequel to these, the researcher made some recommendations which one of them was that the Nigerian government should enshrine the involvement of women in politics in the constitution and this should include all arms and levels of governance be it federal, state or local government area. It was concluded that women on their own should play their roles with all sincerity of purpose and they should be able to give good and qualitative leadership when called upon to take positions of power just like they are expected to do in the home front. Finally, this work is significant to scholars of jurisprudence, feminism and human rights, as well as being relevant to the legal practitioners, politicians and political scientists, as well as the judges/justices in any case relating to women’s political rights.