Does female political intersectionality influence women’s under-representation in governance?

This study examines how female political intersectionality (i.e. roles, beliefs, behaviours, identities, and experiences that distinguish one woman from another in politics, creating unique sets of discrimination and privilege) impedes the advancement of gender equality and women’s representation in governance. The study was conducted in Ekiti State, Southwest Nigeria, an ideal setting based on patriarchal dominance and high female under-representation in governance. Intersectionality, a gender-focused critique of oppressive systems, provided a theoretical rationalization. The study employed a focus group discussion (FGD)-based constructivism to build knowledge through social interaction and shared experiences in a collaborative environment. Four FGDs were conducted with 90 women in politics, conveniently and purposively recruited from four political parties. Thematic analysis was used to identify, analyse, and interpret recurring patterns of intersectionality within political representativity. Two themes and five sub-themes were derived, namely: (i) power and identity politics: (a) majoritization and minoritization; (b) party affiliation; (c) tribal, ethnic and locational associations; and (ii) social stratification and inequality: (a) classism and (b) marital status. Furthermore, the findings reveal that the intersectionality of gender politics sponsors marginalization among women in politics. The paper recommends implementing structural, flexible and inclusive policies that address these intersecting forms of marginalization.