1.0 Introduction
1.1 Background of the Study
Nigeria women as far as politics of the 21st century is concerned still have very bright future suffice it to say that the men have been in power for 42 years and it is a welcome development therefore that women equal participation in political life plays a pivotal role in the general process of the advancement of women.
Gone are the days when women were relegated to inferior position in the society. When they were only meant to stay at home rear children and take care of them. When they were only meant to do the domestic chores and gossip over one another. Today, the reverse is the case, women are now found in big establishments, competing with their male folk for the most important position.
Some are even acting as bosses in the small establishment where there spouse are working. Nigeria women today have proved their worth in all areas human endeavour. Take for instance, some women are bank managers, chair persons of some professional bodies and management. An example is Mrs. Odili, the wife of River state governor, she is the president and founder of the Adolescent project.
Another example is Mrs. Buajoko Kuforidi, who was at one tome appointed the chair person River basin development Authority, this is an indicator that women are capable of making big establishment, they do not just go there to embezzle public funds rather, they utilize it in a more meaningful way. Infact, there is no position where the women cannot fit in properly be it in legal profession, they are becoming senior advocated of Nigeria (SAN) a position firmly reserved for men, not only that women now sit as presiding judge in high courts.
Politically, women are making waves, the time has therefore come when men should recognize the contributions of women in National development and step aside to give women chance to sit at the presidential villa.
1.2 Statement of Problems
Obviously, there are factors militating against the bid for a woman president in Nigeria. In carrying out this work, several problems are dishonesty in Nigeria politics such as rigging of election.
It was identified that women politicians lack money to finance their campaigns, the socio-culture for women to take enough money to cope with the commercial nature of Nigerian politics. They can't win juicy contracts as men do.
Women find it difficult to participate actively in the activities and meetings of political parties, especially if married and their spouse are politicians for this reason, they cannot move fast on the political leader and very often settle foe women's wing of the political parties which there male folk use together to vote for themselves. If ever they move up the leader, they are appointed to the post of treasurer, because the men want safe custody of their funds.
Women politicians lack political guardianship. Therefore, runners were not interested in handling over the batton to up coming ends and the breads are not willing to step up to conquer, ironically, some women carry a large than life image while others want the world to stop whenever they are around.
Women mode of dressing are also a problem, those who dress flamboyantly irrespective of the nature of an occasion perceived negatively. Even, the women folk refuse to vote for such women, thinking that if they are to be in presidential position, they will think more of their wardrobes that the welfare of the people. Besides, the society deliberately refuse to see the good side of few women who have ventured into politics.
As a result of the age long idea of isolating women from politics, there have been political apathy among women in Nigeria. They are seen as indisciplined burdens who want to cope up for what the solace marriage has failed to offer them.
It is also observed that the media in it's agenda setting role, have not treated women fairly. Many of their achievements are over looked and if at all mentioned are tuked away inside the pages only their anti-social involvements are over blown. Apart from lack of fund, it was also noted that women politicians cannot be completely solved, to solve these problems, Nawas said in his communiqué that there should be a forum comprising journalism and female negative images, as well as erase stereo type about women. It was also recommended that Nawod, Philanthropists political parties and gender-sensitive non-governmental organizations should set up a fund for female politicians to make them equal stake holders in political parties.
1.3 Objectives of the Study
The purpose of this study is primarily to ascertain why there is need for a woman president in Nigeria in other words, the impact a woman president will make in National development. The problem militating against achieving the goal and how to solve the problems. In addition many women are seeking ways to find themselves into the pose of president but could not make it because a lot of money is involved in running the race of presidential seat. Many people think that women cannot make it because of one reason or the other.
Again a lot of women cannot manage their homes very well irrespective of their educational background. Rigging of election is one of the key factors that militate against women president in Nigeria as earlier mentioned to many Nigerians its shameful to loose an election because of greed. Some Nigerians find it difficult to accept defeat after election result have been announced.
In their desperation to win they try to falsify election figures in their favour. What many people forget is that in game where two or more people view for a position it is only one that will win. We talk of embezzlement, there are some elected people who want to turn public funds into private accounts. Some our leaders land our fund abroad as regards this, most of our women fell victim of those who will go to the seat tomorrow and take proper care of public funds.
1.4 Research Questions
- How is lack of political guard ship a problem to women leadership.
- Why is rigging of election a barrier to women political affairs.
- Why are women looked down in political affairs?
- How is mode of dressing a barrier to women for the position of presidency in Nigeria.
- Is lack of money a problem to women in leadership?
1.5 Significance of Study
This study is significant in a number of ways.
- Firstly, it adds to the growing of literative on women struggle in Nigeria.
- Secondly, this study shows fats and figures of the marginalization of women in the key sectors of the Nigeria politics and economy.
- Thirdly, this study highlights the various stages of the struggle by Nigerian women for equal participation in the countries political and economic affairs.
- Fourthly, this work examines the factors that stop women from attaining the highest political position in Nigeria.
- Fifthly, the study identifies practical suggestions for the attainment of the highest political post in Nigeria.
1.6 Scope of the Study
This work centers on the clamour for a women president in Nigeria, the strategies for the actualization of this proposal are also examined. Since it will not be possible to cover all women in Nigeria due to shortage of time, geographical size of Nigeria and the attendant cost, only selected women in Nigeria will participate data collection instrument would be limited to questionnaires and interviews.
1.7 Limitation of Study
The research encountered several limitations in the course of this work.
The first problem was the shortage of time which made the researcher to work extra hard to complete this project on schedule lectures also interrupted the protect as the author has to attend lectures preparatory for examination.
Another problem was the shortage of funds to off set certain expenses in respect of the work obtaining the necessary data for this study was also a problem as most of the respondent were too busy to respond to interview questions or complete the research questionnaires. Not withstanding these difficulties, it is hoped that sample factual easy read account has been presented.
1.8 Definition of Terms
Politics:
This is defined as the contest among interest groups for the control of power and the dominance of the political power and the dominance of the political environment. Politics involves the allocation or responsibilities and appropriation of resources.
Women President:
This is simply defined as the elected leader or ceremonial and symbolic leader of the female gender, she also has to attend to the day-by-day government business. She is also the chief officer of the society, because she was been elected to preside over the entire organization or country.
Public Administration:
This is the government including control of the business of the various tiers of government including the ministerial and extra ministerial departments.
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