NNEWI WOMEN AND POLITICAL ACTIVISM, 1999-2015

Abstract

In retrospect, gender issues in politics have attracted interests both locally and internationally across different endeavours especially when it has to do with women. It is arguable that this development of interest could be attributed to the fact that politics forms the bedrock of every society, most especially in the act of governance. Over time, women’s pertinence as positive contributors to socio-political development has been globally acknowledged. International and local organisations such as the United Nations, International Women Suffrage Alliance, Women in Parliament Global Forum, Women in Nigeria etcetera, have been at the forefront, emphasizing the need for an all-inclusive gender perspective into the political development strategies and planning of nation-states. The progress made so far, however, leaves a lot more to be desired. This study focuses on general issues that border on gender in relation to Nnewi women (particularly Nnewi-North women) and politics in Nigeria from 1999 up to 2015. Particularly, it examines the roles, contributions and achievements of Nnewi women towards socio-political development in Nnewi and Nigeria at large. The study makes use of the qualitative and quantitative methods of research in analysing historical events. In the course of this research, it was discovered that these women recorded a low percentage in political offices in respect to politically elected and appointed positions amidst their massive engagements in political activities such as vying for political seats, voting in elections, engaging in election campaigns and what have you. Why? This paper attempts to unearth these challenges peculiar to Nnewi women. Practical solutions will also be recommended to curb such anomalies.