A Philosophical Case for Proportionate Representation of Women in Governance in Africa: The Nigerian Example

Abstract

Women have greatly contributed beyond family issues to world affairs in governmental and nongovernmental organisations. This piece therefore argues that there is a need to have more openings on the table of decision and policy formulations especially considering the numerical strength and of course the unique perspectives of the women folks to issues of policies that are of course important and crucial in the achievement of Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). Through synergies predicated on socio-economic empowerment of women; there has been emergence of various associations of women with relevant impacts on the quality of gender sensitive decisions and policies and the overall improvement in greater participation of a significant part of the population in the political process that has direct relevance for the society. The examples of such in countries where greater percentage of women participate in the political process are illustrative of the potential benefits of this intervention for the political context in Nigeria. Added to this, the admirable results that are manifest in the activities of some women in government in the contemporary times in Nigeria is also a pointer to this agenda. With conscious effort in harnessing the gains of such organised groups and greater participation of women in governance, one can guarantee a steady match towards greater days of good governance urgently needed in Nigeria. This paper presents a unique philosophical case by examining the potentials of women against the backdrop of the socio-cultural construct that defines the roles attributed to women; it does this by desk research with data sourced from books, journals and the internet. This theoretical work concludes by drawing attention to perceived emerging trends of choice Africans are likely to be making in the future as regards the demands of responsible and responsive governance in Africa which the womenfolk promises and what practical steps to be taken to realising such.