Justina Olufunke Aruna
Women’s participation in politics and governance is of strategic importance, not only for women’s empowerment but for its wider benefits and impact on society. In contemporary times, women are increasingly being politically elected to serve as Heads of State and Government. More than 20 countries currently have women holding offices as the heads of national governments, while the global participation rate of women in national-level parliaments is nearly 20%. A number of countries are exploring measures that may increase women's participation in governance at all levels, from the local to the national. Nigeria, from the advent of the Fourth Republic, in May 1999, which has sustained the stretch of democratic rule till date, the political scene is still dominated by men, though the female are tagging along, yet with little attention paid to their clamor for 35% affirmation. Benefitting from documentary data and Focus Group Discussions (FGDs), the paper submits that Anambra State has been leading the pack in women’s participation in politics; and, it has thus shown ‘amazons’ who have immensely contributed to the strengthening of the country’s democracy. The study identifies factors hindering women’s participation in politics, most especially patriarchy. It finally suggests that women should be more empowered to participate in politics to enhance their political experience for good governance and nation-building and that Ondo State should emulate Anambra State’s model so that there can be an equitable balance and more democratic dividends to the people.