FEMINIST DOMESTICATION AND POLITICAL EXCLUSION IN NIGERIA A DISCOURSE ON THE FOURTH REPUBLIC

Abstract

The feminist movements have for years continued to advocate for gender parity especially through affirmative action. Yet not much seemed to have been done to address the paucity of women in the decision-making process. It places emphasis on the oppression, strangulation and marginalisation of Nigerian women at all levels, even though they successfully perform roles as mothers, home builders and producers. Drawing insights form contemporary Nigeria, the paper argues that if the gender discourse will ever be productive, it would have to be retooled and situated within the framework of women empowerment. It equally notes the diverse techniques employed by the gate-keepers of Nigeria’s masculinist-patriarchal democracy to preclude, demean and frustrate women political aspirants. The study utilised the desk research method of collection of data. It submits that the continued marginalisation of women remains an indication of democratic devaluation. And thus recommended that all cultural, religious and social, including political parties activities that tend to demean and relegates womanhood be reviewed and if need be, abrogated.