The impact of social cleavages on women’s political participation in Nigeria

Abstract

Women in Northern Nigeria are secluded in political positions following ethnic differences and religious backgrounds than women in Southern Nigeria, who participate more in public life. The basis for this disparity is the value placed on women in both spheres of interest. The African tradition relegates women to the background and gives the men a voice. The paper looks at the impact of social cleavages and factors responsible for the low participation of women in politics. The research used both a qualitative and quantitative method through face-to-face interviews with five female respondents. The study focused on women participation in politics making Inferences from data collected through interviews. The fear factor, economic and cultural beliefs were among the reasons for the low turnout of women in political participation. The paper concluded that women should support women and create awareness in enlightenment programmes for women in rural areas.