The Role of Gender in Democratic Governance: A Study of Selected Nigerian Literature

Abstract

The participation of women in governance and decision making is of strategic importance not only for women empowerment, but because it has extended development benefits and impact. In Nigeria, like many developing countries, women represent about half of the country’s population, yet poorly represented in governance and decision making at all levels of governance. Experience has shown that the 2006 national policy of 35% representation for women in leadership has not been achieved. This is due to the socio-cultural problems and stereotyped assumptions about women as incompetent for positions of power. Personal integrity and character can be more important than money in politics. Consequently, Nigerian writers have observed this trend and expressed themselves through fiction, drama, and poetry. This paper is a review of selected texts which address the role of women in politics. It highlights some of the victories, impediments, and flaws that these writers have identified. It evaluates works from poetry, drama, and prose. The selected authors include Alu, A. Nesther, Azuike Amaka, Miri Angela, Salami Isoken Irene, Ayoola. A. Kehinde and Ojaide, Tanure.