International Jounal of Legislative Drafting and Law Reform

LEGAL RESPONSE TO DISCRIMINATORY ISSUES IN CITIZENSHIP OF WOMEN AND PARTICIPATION IN NIGERIAN POLITICS

Authors

  • Dr. Jade’ Mohammed (Author)

Keywords:

Discrimination, Citizenship, Legal Response, Women, Political Participation, Nigeria

Abstract

Women's population dominates almost half of the entire country and involves in politics across Nigeria in addition to other roles such as mother and community organizer. Various forms of discrimination, such as citizenship status, education disadvantage, job stereotyping, unemployment, cultural stereotype, health status, and political perception, are encountered by women. Both the Constitution and international treaties contain the principle of non-discrimination based on sex, yet indigeneship and or citizenship factors often militate against women’s right to participate in politics and governance in Nigeria. More often than not, women access state benefits based on “citizenship by birth”, but not a sure guarantee. In Nigeria, married women often claim the state of origin of the spouse without more. However, in elections or appointments into political positions, to the executive, judiciary, or legislature, citizenship becomes critical. Although women's participation in politics in Nigeria has improved, it is still low at all levels. The paper finds that discriminatory citizenship practices constitute violence against women in politics; this is neither religious nor traditional; yet unconstitutional. The paper suggests that policies and practices relating to the citizenship of women in Nigeria should be reviewed as they have no basis in any known law of the land.

Author Biography

  • Dr. Jade’ Mohammed

    Senior Lecturer, Department of Public and International Law,
    Faculty of Law, Elizade University, Ilara- Mokin, Ondo State, Nigeria

Published: 11.10.2024

How to Cite

LEGAL RESPONSE TO DISCRIMINATORY ISSUES IN CITIZENSHIP OF WOMEN AND PARTICIPATION IN NIGERIAN POLITICS. (2024). International Jounal of Legislative Drafting and Law Reform, 12(1), 121-143. https://legislativedraftingjournal.org/index.php/en/article/view/95

Similar Articles

1-10 of 62

You may also start an advanced similarity search for this article.