HUMAN RIGHTS ADVOCACY AND WOMEN'S POLITICAL PARTICIPATION: THE MOSOP EXPERIENCE IN KHANA AND GOKANA LGAS

This study investigates the role of human rights advocacy in enhancing women's political awareness in Khana and Gokana Local Government Areas (LGAs) of Rivers State, with a particular focus on the Movement for the Survival of the Ogoni People (MOSOP). The research aims to understand how MOSOP’s advocacy initiatives contribute to increasing women's political participation in the selected regions. The study specifically examines MOSOP’s role in promoting women's political awareness, capacity building, and addressing barriers to women's political participation. A descriptive survey design was employed, with a population of 3,200 respondents comprising members of the Federation of Ogoni Women's Associations (FOWA) as an affiliate of MOSOP. The sample size of 320 respondents was determined using Taro Yamane's model and selected through proportionate and simple random sampling techniques. Data was collected using a structured questionnaire titled "Assessing the Impact of Advocacy Programs on Economic Empowerment and Sustainable Growth in Khana and Gokana Local Government Areas" (AIAPEESGKGLGA). The questionnaire's reliability was confirmed with a coefficient of r = 0.65 through the test-retest method. Data were analyzed using mean and standard deviation. The findings indicate that MOSOP’s advocacy significantly enhances women's political awareness and participation by providing knowledge, skills, and access to resources. However, challenges such as patriarchal norms, limited access to education, and economic barriers persist. The study recommends intensified awareness campaigns, financial literacy training, and community-based decision-making initiatives to further empower women and promote gender equality in political participation in Khana and Gokana LGAs.