ASSESSMENT OF SOCIOLOGICAL DETERMINANTS OF WOMEN PARTICIPATION IN ELECTORAL AND POLITICAL ACTIVITIES: EVIDENCE FROM OKENE LGA OF KOGI STATE

Research Problem: Despite global efforts to enhance gender parity, women’s political representation in Nigeria remains low, particularly in sub-national contexts like Kogi State. The 2019 elections in Okene LGA highlighted stark gender disparities, yet limited empirical studies have systematically examined the specific sociopolitical and structural factors constraining women’s political engagement in such local contexts. This study addresses the gap by interrogating the socio-institutional and attitudinal factors affecting women’s participation in Okene’s electoral process. Methods: The study employed a quantitative methodology, utilizing structured, close-ended questionnaires administered to respondents in Okene LGA. Descriptive statistics and logistic regression analyses were applied to evaluate patterns of perception and determine statistically significant predictors of female political participation. Theory:Anchored in Social Role Theory, the study assumes that persistent societal expectations shape political roles and reinforce normative gender hierarchies that influence women’s visibility and agency in the political space. Results:Findings revealed a contradictory reality: while domestic violence paradoxically increased political activism among some women, broader patterns of political violence, religious conservatism, gender-based leadership biases, low educational attainment, and prohibitive campaign costs severely deterred participation. Extremist threats and discriminatory norms compound the effect. Conclusion:Women in Okene face multi-layered deterrents to political involvement, necessitating both institutional reforms and sociocultural transformation. Key Contribution to Knowledge: This study nuances existing literature by quantifying and contextualizing women’s political deterrents within a localized Nigerian setting, emphasizing the contradictory impact of violence and the intersectionality of sociocultural constraints. Recommendations:It advocates legislative adoption of affirmative action such as gender quotas, increased civic education for women, and the subsidization of campaign costs to broaden political inclusivity.