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Women and Legislative Representation in Nigeria’s National Assembly: A Detailed Appraisal of the 8th Assembly (2015-2019)

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  • Jake Dabang Dan-Azumi
  • Caroline Asan

Abstract

This study focuses on women legislative representation in Nigeria since the commencement of the Fourth Republic (1999 to 2020). It investigates the low levels of representation of women in the National Assembly and factors that explain this. Results from the study show that the majority of female respondents indicate active interest in politics but are discouraged by factors that include prevailing gender stereotypes, cultural/religious reasons, unfavourable political environment, lack of financial capacity, electoral violence and restrictive party structures and processes amongst others. The bulk of male respondents confirm these structural biases and barriers to women’s political participation. In view of these findings, some recommendations offered include implementation of deliberate policies and legislations that target women quotas and affirmative action, elimination of structural barriers to women's participation, reducing the cost of political participation for women, reforming the electoral process, and sustained and systematic gender education.

Suggested Citation

  • Jake Dabang Dan-Azumi & Caroline Asan, 2021. "Women and Legislative Representation in Nigeria’s National Assembly: A Detailed Appraisal of the 8th Assembly (2015-2019)," Journal of Public Administration and Governance, Macrothink Institute, vol. 11(2), pages 86109-86109, December.
  • Handle: RePEc:mth:jpag88:v:11:y:2021:i:2:p:86-109
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    References listed on IDEAS

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    3. Iulia Shevchenko, 2002. "Who Cares about Women's Problems? Female Legislators in the 1995 and 1999 Russian State Dumas," Europe-Asia Studies, Taylor & Francis Journals, vol. 54(8), pages 1201-1222.
    4. Reynolds, Andrew, 2013. "Representation and Rights: The Impact of LGBT Legislators in Comparative Perspective—CORRIGENDUM," American Political Science Review, Cambridge University Press, vol. 107(3), pages 627-627, August.
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    More about this item

    JEL classification:

    • R00 - Urban, Rural, Regional, Real Estate, and Transportation Economics - - General - - - General
    • Z0 - Other Special Topics - - General

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