From Juliana Taiwo-Obalonye, Abuja
A comprehensive survey on women’s participation in Plateau State, jointly compiled by the Women Advocates Research and Documentation Centre (WARDC), and Women for Women International (WfWI), has shed light on the multifaceted barriers hindering women’s engagement across economic and political spheres.
The findings compiled through desk research, focus group discussions (FGDs), and interviews, underscore the urgent need for concerted efforts to dismantle these barriers and promote women’s meaningful inclusion.
It revealed that despite the fundamental rights to equal participation, women in Nigeria encounter formidable obstacles in engaging in decision-making processes.
The report exposed the intricate challenges impeding women’s complete, equitable, and meaningful involvement in public life.
A crucial aspect highlighted in the study is the varying levels of awareness among women regarding their rights to participate. While concepts like freedom of speech and political participation were recognised universally, there exists a disparity in understanding the legal frameworks safeguarding these rights, particularly among rural communities.
Notably, 75 percent of the surveyed women were aware of the state laws guaranteeing political rights, with 73 percent acknowledging specific provisions for women’s electoral participation.
The report further revealed that women encounter both formal and informal barriers to their participation, with a significant disparity observed between political and economic domains. While 64 percent of women felt hindered in political participation, 39 percent cited barriers in economic engagement. These barriers encompassed factors such as lack of education, gender discrimination, economic vulnerability, and institutional constraints.
The report advocated for comprehensive interventions, addressing structural, cultural, and economic barriers to women’s participation.
It stressed the importance of strengthening the implementation of existing laws and policies; promoting gender mainstreaming in peace-building and conflict resolution efforts and addressing socio-cultural norms through awareness campaigns and community dialogues.
Among others, the report also recommended enhancing economic opportunities and social protection measures for women, and supporting grassroots women’s advocacy initiatives for legislative change.