FEMALE GENDER AND STATE BUILDING IN NIGERIA, 1960-1999

ABSTRACT

This study examined female gender and state building in Nigeria’s fourth republic. It was informed by the fact that during this period women in politics has been dismal and unsatisfactory. After four consecutive successful legitimate change of government through democratic electoral process following the nation's return to civilian regime in 1999; Nigeria has failed to achieve the international recommended 30% women's representation in its National Assembly. Like other countries in the world, women constitute half of the Nigeria's population, yet this numerical strength of Nigerian women does not translate to increase in women's participation in political activities in the country. To justify this assumption, provided an introduction to the background to the study, stating the relevance of this study, with its aim and objectives, justification of this research, the methodology used in carrying out this research, the scope of the research and various literature reviewed in relation to this study, examined the life of the pre-colonial to post-colonial Nigeria women, it explores the significant roles women played as at each time, their status and influence from pre-colonial to post-colonial Nigeria, which entails their socio-economic, political and socio-cultural participations. All these would be highlighted.