GENDER INEQUALITY AND WOMEN’S PARTICIPATION IN POLITICS IN SOUTHERN TARABA SENATORIAL ZONE

Abstract

Despite Nigeria’s democratic progress since 1999, women’s political participation in Southern 
Taraba Senatorial Zone remains critically low. Persistent gender inequality continues to 
marginalize women from political leadership and decision-making processes, thereby 
undermining inclusive governance and democratic development. This study examined gender 
inequality and women’s participation in politics in Southern Taraba Senatorial Zone. 
Specifically, it identified the factors responsible for gender inequality and low political 
participation among women and examined measures for improving their participation in 
politics. The study was anchored on Liberal Feminist Theory and adopted a descriptive survey 
research design. Data were collected through structured questionnaire administered to 400 
respondents drawn from a population of 1,165,300, with the sample size determined using Taro 
Yamane formula. Data were analysed using mean and standard deviation. The findings 
revealed that religious restrictions, low socio-economic status, patriarchy, stigmatization, 
electoral violence, intimidation, and inadequate financial resources constitute the major factors 
responsible for gender inequality and the low participation of women in politics (grand mean = 
3.30). The study concluded that socio-cultural, economic, and political barriers continue to 
hinder women’s effective participation in politics in Southern Taraba Senatorial Zone. It 
recommended that governments and other stakeholder should strengthen political education, 
provide financial support for female aspirants, enforce affirmative action and gender quota 
policies, combat electoral violence, and promote reforms that eliminate discriminatory cultural 
and religious practices