The Impact of Patriarchy on Gender Representation in Nigerian and International Politics

This study investigates the impact of patriarchal norms on gender representation in Nigerian and international politics, based on survey data from 385 political representatives. The study examined several objectives: the extent to which patriarchal norms influence gender representation, the barriers hindering women's political participation, and the implications of gender imbalance in political leadership. The findings revealed that a majority of respondents (72.4%) believe that patriarchal norms significantly influence gender representation in both Nigerian and international political contexts. In terms of barriers to women’s political participation, gender discrimination was identified as the most common obstacle (63.4%), followed by limited resources and lack of support networks. Additionally, a notable portion of respondents (56.1%) expressed dissatisfaction with current government policies aimed at improving gender equality in politics, suggesting that these efforts have been largely ineffective. The study concludes that patriarchal structures continue to impede gender equality in political leadership, and emphasizes the need for stronger gender-inclusive policies, better support systems for women, and targeted awareness campaigns to address gender biases in political representation. These recommendations are crucial for fostering a more equitable and inclusive democratic system.