Main Article Content
Abstract
This study examined women political representation and participation in selected African democracies of Nigeria, Rwanda, South Africa, Kenya, Ghana, Tanzania, Ethiopia, and Zimbabwe. It is not a comparative study though the goal is to understand the state of women political representation in the democracies. To realize this objective, the study used descriptive qualitative design, secondary data like books and academic articles, as well as the liberal democratic theory to aid analysis. From the analysis, findings showed that women political participation and representation increased tremendously in democracies of Rwanda and South Africa followed by Kenya, Zimbabwe, Tanzania and Ethiopia, but very low in Ghana and Nigeria. The findings also revealed that, despite the positive rise in the aforesaid democracies, traces of marginalization, discrimination and gender disparity still exist. Factors like cultural beliefs, religion, economic deprivation, political violence, lack of family support and poor political education were detected as responsible for their challenges. The factors strongly work against women and contradict the ethos of the liberal democratic theory that envisages equal political participation of all genders. To remedy the situation and promote women’s political representation in public space, the democracies should adhere to the provisions of their constitutions. Political parties should carry women along in key decision-making as well as provide more seats for women and promote political education. As well, to promote gender equality, women political organizations should be empowered financially. Finally, while the study would benefit policymakers, the women, the citizens and the body of knowledge, it can be replicated in other democracies.