A recent study has found that women seeking political office in Kaduna State, Nigeria, face numerous challenges, including social stigma, sexual harassment, intimidation, and financial constraints. The study, conducted by Learn Legal Consult for Basileia Vulnerable Persons Rights Initiative, involved surveys, focus group discussions, and key informant interviews across six local government areas in Kaduna State. The research aimed to identify the barriers to women's political inclusion in the state.
One of the significant findings of the study is that women politicians in Kaduna State are often subjected to name-calling and stigma, with some being branded "Karuwa," a term that implies prostitution. This creates a social stigma that deters women from politics, particularly in communities where their participation is already viewed negatively. According to the study, participants in a preliminary media-facing listening tour reported that women politicians were sometimes judged on their sexuality rather than their competence and leadership abilities.
The study also documented accounts of sexual harassment and inappropriate demands allegedly faced by women seeking political opportunities. Some participants reported that women were told that if they wanted political success, they would have to engage in sexual activities with men. A female participant described women's political journey as "very long and sensitive," saying they were subjected to intimidation, derogatory names, and sexual harassment.
The research found that 71.1% of respondents believed that women found it harder to secure political party tickets, while 47.4% said political parties did not support women seeking elective office. Additionally, 71.1% of respondents had experienced or witnessed political intimidation, while 57.9% considered the political environment unsafe for women. These findings suggest that women face significant challenges in accessing political opportunities in Kaduna State.
The study also identified party structures and godfatherism as major obstacles to women's participation in politics. Participants alleged that access to party leaders and influential networks could determine whether women were given a meaningful opportunity to contest. Furthermore, some participants reported that women did not always support female candidates, with some mobilizing for male candidates instead.
The researchers concluded that women's political exclusion in Kaduna State is structural and multidimensional, requiring reforms within political parties, stronger protection against harassment and intimidation, improved access to campaign finance and political networks, and greater community engagement. The study's campaign message is: "Women can lead. The question is, will Nigeria let them?"
The study's findings have significant implications for women's participation in politics in Kaduna State and Nigeria as a whole. The researchers called on political parties, traditional and religious leaders, civil society organizations, men, and women to help create safer and more inclusive political spaces. By addressing the barriers to women's political inclusion, Kaduna State and Nigeria can promote greater gender equality and representation in politics.
Key points
- Women in Kaduna State face significant barriers to participating in politics, including social stigma, sexual harassment, and intimidation.
- The study found that 71.1% of respondents believed women found it harder to secure political party tickets, while 47.4% said political parties did not support women seeking elective office.
- The researchers concluded that women's political exclusion in Kaduna State is structural and multidimensional, requiring reforms within political parties and stronger protection against harassment and intimidation.
