Gender Issues and Democracy: The Nigeria Experience

Abstract

Gender discrimination has become a preponderant phenomenon all over the world, with particular reference to Nigeria as a nation. There was a time in Nigeria when women were campaigning for a chance to vote and eventually, there come the universal adult suffrage that permits every adult irrespective of sex, tribe or creed to vote and be voted for in any election. In spite of this clause, women were and are still relegated to background in all aspects of life; be it political, economic, socio-cultural and even technological training for development. Hardly are women heard in decision making process but they are always being used as instrument of voting in the political palace and child bearing and rearing in socio-cultural milieu. This situation, happening in a country that advocates ‘free and democratic’ society, deserves thorough examination. This paper, therefore, examines gender issues and democracy from Nigeria experience.