DEMOCRATIC GOVERNANCE AND ACHIEVEMENT OF SUSTAINABLE DEVELOPMENT GOAL 5 IN NIGERIA: AKWA IBOM STATE PERSPECTIVE

This study critically examines the impact of key gender-focused policies and interventions in Akwa Ibom State, Nigeria, including the Violence Against Persons Prohibition (VAPP) Law, gender quotas and affirmative action, the Free and Compulsory Education Policy, and Agricultural and Entrepreneurial Development Programs. The primary research objective was to evaluate if and how these initiatives have contributed to the advancement of women’s empowerment, promotion of gender equality, and reduction of gender-based violence within the state. Data were gathered from 378 respondents out of 384 sampled participants, including women beneficiaries, community leaders, policymakers, and program implementers from both urban and rural local government areas, using a quantitative design. Data collection involved a structured questionnaire and oral interviews focusing on the awareness, participation, and outcomes of these interventions. Data analytical techniques comprised descriptive statistics and chi-square tests to explore correlations between policy execution and GEM indicators. Results indicated notable progress across several domains: improved knowledge of women’s legal rights under the VAPP Law, increased involvement of women in political processes through affirmative action, higher female enrollment and retention in schools owing to the education policy, and enhanced economic empowerment through targeted agricultural and business programs. However, several obstacles, including poor enforcement of legal protections, deep-seated cultural and institutional norms restricting women’s advancement, inadequate schooling facilities, and limited access to financial capital and market opportunities, hindered the full success of these efforts. Recommendations underlined strengthening enforcement and oversight, broadening public sensitization efforts, offering continuous leadership development and mentoring for women, and committing resources to improving education and economic infrastructure