Barriers to political inclusion: Gender-based violence, women’s marginalization, and democratic development in Nigeria

Abstract

Gender-based violence is a significant socio-political issue in Nigeria that requires urgent attention. This study examined Barriers to Political Inclusion: Gender-Based Violence, Women’s Marginalization, and Democratic Development in Nigeria. Utilizing secondary and relevant baseline data, the study adopted Feminist theory as its theoretical framework. The findings revealed that, despite progress in gender equality efforts, Nigerian women continue to experience physical, sexual, psychological, economic, and cyber violence, which hinders their participation in political processes. Furthermore, the study identified election-related gender
based violence as the most prevalent form. It was also found that gender-based violence poses a major obstacle to women's political participation, with serious consequences for democracy and development in Nigeria. Additionally, the study highlighted how the intersection of ethnicity, class, and religion exacerbates the effects of gender-based violence. In response, it recommends the implementation of legislative and policy frameworks to criminalize gender based violence, along with mechanisms to enhance women's participation in politics. There is a need to conduct an empirical study to ascertain, confirm, and overcome the shortcomings of this study.