Background of the Study
Gender equality in politics remains a significant issue in Nigeria, with women still underrepresented in decision-making positions at various levels of government. Despite the adoption of international frameworks such as the Convention on the Elimination of All Forms of Discrimination Against Women (CEDAW) and the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), which advocate for gender parity in politics, progress has been slow (UN Women, 2023). Women’s rights organizations play a crucial role in addressing these disparities by advocating for legal reforms, mobilizing female voters, and providing support for female political candidates (Akinwale & Ibrahim, 2024). In Nigeria, particularly in Makurdi Local Government Area, Benue State, these organizations have been instrumental in promoting women’s political participation through awareness campaigns, leadership training, and policy advocacy (Odey & Adebayo, 2023).
Despite these efforts, women continue to face barriers such as cultural norms, financial constraints, political violence, and systemic discrimination, which limit their political ambitions and success (Eze & Chukwu, 2024). Women’s rights organizations seek to dismantle these obstacles by engaging in grassroots mobilization, lobbying for gender-sensitive policies, and challenging societal perceptions about women in leadership (Okafor et al., 2023). In Makurdi, several organizations, including the National Council of Women Societies (NCWS) and Women’s Rights Advancement and Protection Alternative (WRAPA), have taken active steps in pushing for greater female representation in politics (Ogundele, 2024). However, their effectiveness remains subject to challenges such as lack of funding, political resistance, and limited support from male-dominated political structures (Bassey & Ahmed, 2023).
Given these challenges, there is a need to critically evaluate the role of women’s rights organizations in Makurdi in promoting gender equality in politics. This study seeks to assess their impact, the strategies employed, and the barriers they face in fostering women’s political inclusion. By doing so, it will provide insights into how these organizations can be strengthened to enhance female political representation in Nigeria (Ibrahim & Usman, 2024).
1.2 Statement of the Problem
Women’s rights organizations have made notable contributions to advancing gender equality in politics, yet their impact in many local contexts, including Makurdi, remains inadequately assessed. While these organizations engage in advocacy, capacity-building, and policy lobbying, women’s political participation remains disproportionately low in Benue State due to entrenched socio-cultural and economic barriers (Adeyemi & Eneh, 2024). Many female candidates lack the financial resources, institutional backing, and societal acceptance needed to succeed in political contests (Obi & Akinyemi, 2023). Additionally, political parties often fail to implement gender-sensitive policies that would encourage greater female representation (Chukwuma & Olawale, 2024).
The extent to which women’s rights organizations influence these factors in Makurdi is unclear, raising questions about their effectiveness in addressing gender-based political exclusion. Furthermore, while some studies have examined women’s political participation in Nigeria, few have specifically analyzed the role of advocacy organizations in this process within the local government context (Okonkwo et al., 2023). This study, therefore, aims to fill this gap by evaluating the impact, strategies, and challenges of women’s rights organizations in Makurdi in promoting gender equality in politics.
1.3 Objectives of the Study
To assess the impact of women’s rights organizations in promoting gender equality in politics in Makurdi Local Government Area.
To examine the strategies used by women’s rights organizations to enhance women’s political participation in Makurdi.
To identify the challenges faced by women’s rights organizations in promoting gender equality in politics in Makurdi.
1.4 Research Questions
What is the impact of women’s rights organizations in promoting gender equality in politics in Makurdi?
What strategies do these organizations use to enhance women’s political participation?
What challenges do women’s rights organizations face in promoting gender equality in Makurdi?
1.5 Research Hypothesis
Women’s rights organizations play a significant role in promoting gender equality in politics in Makurdi.
The strategies used by women’s rights organizations positively impact women’s political participation in Makurdi.
Women’s rights organizations face significant challenges in promoting gender equality in politics in Makurdi.
1.6 Significance of the Study
This study is significant as it will contribute to understanding the impact of women’s rights organizations on gender equality in politics in Makurdi. By examining their strategies, successes, and challenges, the study will inform policymakers, activists, and stakeholders on how to strengthen these organizations to enhance women’s political representation. The findings will also be valuable for future research on gender and political participation in Nigeria. Understanding the effectiveness of these organizations will help design better interventions to support women’s political empowerment at the grassroots level. Furthermore, the study will provide recommendations for improving advocacy strategies, policy engagement, and capacity-building initiatives aimed at achieving gender parity in politics (Adebayo & Uche, 2023).
1.7 Scope and Limitations of the Study
The study will focus on the activities of women’s rights organizations in Makurdi Local Government Area, Benue State. It will involve interviews with leaders and members of these organizations, as well as female politicians. The study will be limited to assessing the role, strategies, and challenges of these organizations within Makurdi. Limitations may include potential biases from respondents and challenges in obtaining comprehensive data on the effectiveness of advocacy efforts.
1.8 Operational Definition of Terms
Women’s Rights Organizations: Non-governmental organizations and advocacy groups dedicated to promoting gender equality and empowering women.
Gender Equality in Politics: The state of ensuring equal opportunities for men and women to participate in political processes and decision-making.
Political Participation: The active involvement of individuals in political processes, including voting, candidacy, and governance.
ABSTRACT
This study was carried out to examine the land availability challenges and mismanagement ...
Background of the Study
Social media influencers have increasingly become key players in shaping politica...
Background of the Study
Educational reforms in Nigeria have undergone several phases since colonial times, with early refor...
OBJECTIVE OF THE STUDY
The main objective of this study is to design an account holder’s information system for Mi...
ABSTRACT
This research work investigated the effects of micro-financing on Micro and Small Enterprises (MSEs) in South-w...
Background Of The Study
Organisational performance refers to the effectiveness of a...
Background of the study
Campus journalism is journalism carried out by students of tertiary institutions on subjects rel...
Background of the Study
Measles remains one of the leading causes of morbidity and mortality among children in many develo...
Background of the Study
Small and medium enterprises (SMEs) are key drivers of economic growth in Nigeria, contributing significantly to...
Background of the Study
Food contamination is a critical public health issue that can result from poor environmental hygien...