Women, Inclusive Government and Sustainable Development Goals in Nigeria

• In Event: Comparative Politics of Developing Countries Virtual Poster Session 2

Abstract

No appreciable development can be made without recognizing women as significant players in the realm of politics. This is because women not only constitute a significant percentage of the population, they have been proved to pursue objectives that enhance the attainment of sustainable goals particularly in the areas of education, health etc as they impact on children and family. The inclusion of women in politics and government has proved to be an effective way of mobilising the human resources of any country for national development. Discrimination on the basis of sex, undermining women’ right and opportunity have devastating impact on the economy. Women remain largely marginalised in the mainstream of politics and decision making in government. Women representation in politics in Nigeria has improved considerably since rebirth of democracy in 1999. Nevertheless, the level of women’s involvement in politics and government remain abysmally low. The implication is that women are not adequately represented where critical decisions are made on issues that border on or that will affect the attainment of Sustainable Development Goals. This paper is anchored on critical mass theory which argues that there is linkage between the number of women in government and decisions making institutions in government and the prospect of attaining Sustainable Development Goals.

Author

• Adekunle Saheed Ajisebiyawo, Igbinedion University, Okada