The Role of Women in Tackling Corruption in Nigeria
Chapter One
Objective of the study
- To establish robust systems for holding individuals and institutions accountable for corrupt practices.
- To enhance transparency in public and private sector operations, ensuring that decision-making processes are open, accountable, and free from undue influence or corruption.
- To empower marginalized communities, including women, youth, and disadvantaged groups, by providing them with access to information, resources, and opportunities to participate in decision-making processes and hold authorities accountable.
CHAPTER TWO
REVIEWED OF RELATED LITERATUIRE
Women’s participation in political processes and governance structures.
Women’s participation in political processes and governance structures is a multifaceted issue that has garnered increasing attention globally, including in Nigeria. Research and scholarly literature have explored various aspects of women’s involvement in politics, governance, and decision-making roles, highlighting both challenges and opportunities.
Women’s representation in political institutions, such as legislatures and local councils, remains low in many countries, including Nigeria. Studies have shown that increasing women’s representation can lead to more inclusive decision-making processes and policies that better reflect the needs and interests of women and marginalized groups (Chattopadhyay & Duflo, 2004).
In Nigeria, despite constitutional provisions and affirmative action measures such as the National Gender Policy and the National Gender Commission, women remain underrepresented in political leadership positions (Osaghae & Suberu, 2005). This underrepresentation hinders the full participation of women in governance and limits their ability to influence policy outcomes.
Women face various barriers to political participation, including socio-cultural norms, discriminatory practices, lack of access to resources and networks, and gender-based violence (Krook & O’Brien, 2012). In Nigeria, patriarchal attitudes, violence, and intimidation have been cited as significant obstacles to women’s political engagement (Ibrahim, 2010).
Additionally, structural factors such as electoral systems, party politics, and institutional biases can disadvantage women candidates and impede their electoral success (Norris, 2003). Nigeria’s winner-takes-all electoral system and high cost of campaigns further marginalize women from political contests (Ibeanu, 2015).
Women’s participation in governance can have positive effects on governance outcomes, including increased transparency, responsiveness, and effectiveness (Dahlerup, 2006). Research suggests that women leaders are more likely to prioritize social welfare policies and promote inclusive development agendas (Dahlerup & Freidenvall, 2005). In Nigeria, studies have highlighted the potential benefits of women’s participation in governance, including improved service delivery, reduced corruption, and enhanced legitimacy of democratic institutions (Agbalajobi, 2009). However, the limited presence of women in decision-making positions constrains the realization of these potential benefits.
To enhance women’s participation in political processes and governance structures, scholars and policymakers advocate for a combination of legal reforms, affirmative action measures, capacity-building initiatives, and cultural interventions (Tripp et al., 2003). Implementing gender-sensitive electoral reforms, enhancing women’s political education and leadership skills, and fostering supportive institutional environments are essential for promoting women’s political empowerment (Hughes & Paxton, 2007).
Women’s participation in political processes and governance structures is crucial for promoting democracy, gender equality, and inclusive development. While progress has been made in some areas, persistent barriers continue to limit women’s full engagement in politics and governance, highlighting the need for concerted efforts to address systemic inequalities and promote women’s empowerment in Nigeria and beyond.
CHAPTER THREE
RESEARCH METHODOLOGY
INTRODUCTION
In this chapter, we described the research procedure for this study. A research methodology is a research process adopted or employed to systematically and scientifically present the results of a study to the research audience viz. a vis, the study beneficiaries.
RESEARCH DESIGN
Research designs are perceived to be an overall strategy adopted by the researcher whereby different components of the study are integrated in a logical manner to effectively address a research problem. In this study, the researcher employed the survey research design. This is due to the nature of the study whereby the opinion and views of people are sampled. According to Singleton & Straits, (2009), Survey research can use quantitative research strategies (e.g., using questionnaires with numerically rated items), qualitative research strategies (e.g., using open-ended questions), or both strategies (i.e., mixed methods). As it is often used to describe and explore human behaviour, surveys are therefore frequently used in social and psychological research.
POPULATION OF THE STUDY
According to Udoyen (2019), a study population is a group of elements or individuals as the case may be, who share similar characteristics. These similar features can include location, gender, age, sex or specific interest. The emphasis on study population is that it constitutes of individuals or elements that are homogeneous in description.
This study was carried to examine the role of women in tackling corruption in Nigeria. Selected women in Abuja form the population of the study.
CHAPTER FOUR
DATA PRESENTATION AND ANALYSIS
INTRODUCTION
This chapter presents the analysis of data derived through the questionnaire and key informant interview administered on the respondents in the study area. The analysis and interpretation were derived from the findings of the study. The data analysis depicts the simple frequency and percentage of the respondents as well as interpretation of the information gathered. A total of eighty (80) questionnaires were administered to respondents of which only seventy-seven (77) were returned and validated. This was due to irregular, incomplete and inappropriate responses to some questionnaire. For this study a total of 77 was validated for the analysis.
CHAPTER FIVE
SUMMARY, CONCLUSION AND RECOMMENDATION
Introduction
It is important to ascertain that the objective of this study was to ascertain the role of women in tackling corruption in Nigeria. In the preceding chapter, the relevant data collected for this study were presented, critically analyzed and appropriate interpretation given. In this chapter, certain recommendations made which in the opinion of the researcher will be of benefits in addressing the role of women in tackling corruption in Nigeria
Summary
This study was on ascertain the role of women in tackling corruption in Nigeria. Three objectives were raised which included: To establish robust systems for holding individuals and institutions accountable for corrupt practices, To enhance transparency in public and private sector operations, ensuring that decision-making processes are open, accountable, and free from undue influence or corruption and to empower marginalized communities, including women, youth, and disadvantaged groups, by providing them with access to information, resources, and opportunities to participate in decision-making processes and hold authorities accountable. A total of 77 responses were received and validated from the enrolled participants where all respondents were drawn from selected women in Abuja. Hypothesis was tested using Chi-Square statistical tool (SPSS).
Conclusion
The study on the role of women in tackling corruption in Nigeria underscores the critical importance of women’s participation and leadership in anti-corruption efforts. Through an analysis of theoretical frameworks, empirical evidence, and case studies, the study has highlighted the multifaceted ways in which women contribute to promoting transparency, accountability, and ethical governance in Nigeria.
Feminist theory has illuminated the gendered dynamics of corruption, emphasizing the need to address structural inequalities and empower women as agents of change. Political economy perspectives have shed light on the systemic drivers of corruption, highlighting the role of elite capture and rent-seeking behavior in perpetuating social injustices. Governance studies have underscored the importance of institutional reforms, citizen engagement, and anti-corruption strategies that foster accountability and responsiveness. Intersectionality theory has emphasized the intersecting forms of discrimination and disadvantage that shape women’s experiences and strategies in addressing corruption, calling for inclusive and context-sensitive interventions.
The findings of the study demonstrate that women’s participation in anti-corruption efforts is not only a matter of gender equality but also a prerequisite for effective and sustainable governance. Women’s leadership in public and private sectors, grassroots movements, civil society organizations, and international networks plays a crucial role in challenging corrupt practices, promoting integrity, and advancing inclusive development agendas.
Recommendations:
Based on the conclusions drawn from the study, the following recommendations are proposed:
- Enhance women’s representation in decision-making positions, anti-corruption agencies, oversight bodies, and corporate governance structures. Implement affirmative action measures, quotas, and targeted capacity-building initiatives to empower women as leaders and change agents in the fight against corruption.
- Improve transparency, accountability, and integrity mechanisms within public and private sector institutions. Strengthen anti-corruption laws, enforcement mechanisms, and whistleblower protection frameworks. Enhance institutional capacity for investigating and prosecuting corruption cases, ensuring swift and impartial justice.
- Mobilize women’s groups, civil society organizations, and grassroots movements to advocate for anti-corruption reforms and accountability measures. Promote civic education, awareness-raising campaigns, and community-based initiatives to empower citizens to demand transparency and hold authorities accountable.
- Recognize and address the intersecting forms of discrimination and disadvantage that shape women’s experiences of corruption. Develop gender-responsive anti-corruption strategies that address the unique needs and priorities of women from diverse backgrounds, including marginalized communities, ethnic minorities, and LBTQ+ individuals.
- Strengthen regional and international partnerships to combat transnational corruption, money laundering, and illicit financial flows. Promote knowledge exchange, capacity-building, and technical assistance initiatives to support anti-corruption efforts in Nigeria and across borders.
References
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