Gender and voting behavior in Nigeria: Analyzing the barriers and opportunities for women's participation in elections

This paper examines the cultural, socio-economic, and political dynamics that impede women's engagement in Nigerian elections, examining the multifaceted barriers that impede their participation. Women's political representation in the electorate is substantial; however, their political representation in the National Assembly is alarmingly low, with only approximately 7% of women holding seats. This under-representation is a result of a pervasive atmosphere of gender-based violence, entrenched gender norms, and economic disadvantages that discourage both women candidates and voters. Through the lens of liberal feminism theory, the study investigates the impact of overlapping barriers and opportunities for women in participating in elections in Nigeria. It analyzes scholarly articles and media reports to identify themes related to cultural norms, socio-economic limitations, and gender-based violence. This involves data selection, coding framework development, thematic analysis, peer review validation, and synthesis of findings, offering a detailed understanding of systemic barriers to women's political engagement and highlighting possibilities for policy actions to promote gender inclusivity. Findings indicate ongoing challenges in Nigerian politics, with women's representation lagging behind global standards. Cultural norms, economic constraints, male dominance, and legislative gaps, such as the lack of enforced gender quotas, further complicate the situation. However, empowerment initiatives like gender quotas provide avenues for progress. The paper underscores the role of intersectionality in voting behavior and advocates for strategic measures to strengthen women's political participation. Addressing these challenges requires targeted actions that recognize diverse women's experiences to develop effective voter mobilization strategies and policies. The involvement of international organizations, governmental policies, and grassroots movements is also crucial in creating an inclusive political environment that amplifies women's voices. By highlighting the complexities of women's electoral involvement in Nigeria, this paper deepens the understanding of systemic issues and advocates for tailored interventions to advance gender equity in political representation. Removing these obstacles is essential for strengthening Nigeria's democratic institutions and ensuring a governance that reflects the diverse needs of its population.