The history of women in Nigerian politics is a story of resilience, progress, and persistent inequality. From pre-independence activism to the contemporary democratic era, women have fought to claim political space. Yet, despite accounting for nearly half of the population, women remain under-represented in governance. This history reflects the interplay of colonial legacies, patriarchal structures, activism, and political reforms.
Pre-Independence Politics and Women Activism
Before independence, Nigerian women were politically active, particularly in resistance to colonial policies. Women such as Funmilayo Ransome-Kuti mobilised grassroots opposition against unfair taxation and advocated for women’s suffrage.
Pre-colonial societies, such as the Yoruba, Igbo, and Hausa-Fulani, allowed for some formal political roles for women. The Yoruba title Ìyálọ́jà and Igbo Omu were institutional roles for market women and female leaders, granting them influence in decision-making. Colonial rule, however, imposed a patriarchal system that reduced women’s access to formal political office.
Women’s organisations such as the Nigerian Women’s Union and market women’s associations became active in the nationalist movement of the 1940s–1950s, but representation in early post-independence politics was extremely limited.
Early Independence Era (1960–1979)
At independence in 1960, Nigerian politics was dominated by men. Women’s representation in the first republic was minimal. Wuraola Esan became the first female Nigerian senator in 1960, but such achievements were rare. Women were often restricted to supportive roles in political mobilisation rather than leadership positions.
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Military coups between 1966 and 1979 interrupted democratic governance, but women continued to engage in activism, civil service, and grassroots organisation.
Second Republic and the 1980s (1979–1983)
The return to civilian rule in 1979 created limited new spaces for women. Figures such as Janet Akinrinade and Francesca Emmanuel emerged as significant voices. Women’s advocacy groups, including the National Council of Women Societies (NCWS), pressed for gender equality, but progress was constrained. The Second Republic ended abruptly in 1983 with another military coup.
Military Era (1983–1999)
Military governments offered few opportunities for democratic participation but appointed some women to ministerial positions. Kema Chikwe and Florence Ita-Giwa rose to prominence, using their roles to advocate for women’s rights.
In 1987, Kolawole Kofoworola Bucknor-Akerele became Lagos State deputy governor, a rare achievement for women in Nigeria at the time. The 1990s saw growing activism, particularly from Women in Nigeria (WIN), demanding democratic reforms and gender equality. Nigeria’s participation in the 1995 Beijing Conference reaffirmed the need for increased women’s political participation.
Fourth Republic (1999–2015)
The return to democratic rule in 1999 offered expanded opportunities for women, though representation remained low. Notable milestones included:
- Sarah Jibril — first woman to contest the Nigerian presidency (1992, 1999, 2003).
- Patricia Etteh — first female Speaker of the House of Representatives (2007).
- Ngozi Okonjo-Iweala — twice Minister of Finance (2003–2006, 2011–2015).
- Oby Ezekwesili — Minister of Education and anti-corruption activist.
- Stella Oduah and Diezani Alison-Madueke — influential ministers in aviation and petroleum sectors.
Despite such gains, women rarely exceeded 7% of National Assembly membership, far below the Beijing Platform’s recommended 35% quota.
Women in Politics Today (2015–2023)
Recent years show mixed progress. Women like Aisha Jummai Al-Hassan, Remi Tinubu, and Uche Ekwunife have contested significant positions. However, women constitute about 4% of National Assembly members, reflecting persistent barriers: political violence, high campaign costs, cultural biases, and weak affirmative action enforcement.
Barriers to Women’s Political Participation
Key barriers include:
- Patriarchal norms limiting women to domestic roles.
- Political violence and intimidation.
- High cost of campaigns.
- Weak political party support for female candidates.
- Gender bias in media coverage.
The Significance of Women in Politics
Greater female political participation leads to more inclusive policymaking, improved governance, and better representation of women’s interests. Studies indicate higher female representation correlates with transparency and equitable governance.
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Notable Women in Nigerian Politics
- Funmilayo Ransome-Kuti — nationalist and women’s rights leader.
- Wuraola Esan — first female Nigerian senator.
- Margaret Ekpo — nationalist and activist.
- Patricia Etteh — first female Speaker.
- Ngozi Okonjo-Iweala — global finance leader.
- Aisha Jummai Al-Hassan — gubernatorial candidate.
- Remi Tinubu — influential senator.
- Oby Ezekwesili — education reformer.
Conclusion
From pre-independence activism to today, Nigerian women have made strides in politics despite systemic challenges. Yet representation remains far below parity. Achieving gender equality in governance requires policy reforms, cultural shifts, and sustained advocacy. Women’s inclusion is essential for a just, inclusive, and democratic Nigeria.
Author’s Note
This article highlights the verified history of women in Nigerian politics, distinguishing fact from myth. Women’s political engagement has evolved through colonial resistance, military rule, and democratic struggles, but structural barriers persist. Gender inclusion remains vital for strengthening Nigeria’s democracy.
References
- Sklar, Richard L. Nigerian Political Parties: Power in an Emergent African Nation. Princeton University Press, 1963.
- Omotola, J. Shola. “Gender and Politics in Nigeria: The Role of Women in Political Development.” African Journal of Political Science, vol. 14, no. 2, 2009.
- Aina, Tajudeen. Women and Politics in Nigeria. Lagos: Centre for Democracy and Development, 2012.
