CHANGING-GENDER IN POLITICAL INCLUSION (PRECOLONIAL-POSTCOLONIAL PERIOD): A STUDY OF KOGI STATE, NIGERIA

Abstract

The political inclusion of the ethnic groups of Kogi State, Nigeria, during the pre-colonial time disappeared with colonialism. The positions of female chiefs and the advisory role of wives declined. The emerging political system sidelines intelligent contributions to society's decision-making that can only come from women's experience. Therefore, it denies observations needed to make decisions that can contribute to achieving social order. This raises the question of who the beneficiaries of changing gender dynamics in political inclusion are. To find an answer, this paper adopts two objectives: 1) it examines Nigerian policies made in the male-dominated government in achieving social order, and 2) it finds out the beneficiaries of changing gender roles in policymaking. Related literature was reviewed, and liberal feminism served as the explanatory framework. The data was generated through a survey, in-depth interviews (IDIs), focus group discussions (FGDs), and documentary searches. The survey data were analysed using descriptive analysis. IDI, FGD, and documentary data were analysed using content analysis. The findings indicate that policies made in the male-dominated government induced poverty among most Nigerians. The findings also indicate that the beneficiaries of the shift toward gender-inclusive policymaking are manufacturers of sophisticated imported products. The paper then concludes that changing gender in political inclusion is a social problem that requires modification of the political system. It recommends political inclusion (revival of women as advisers to their husbands and the government at large) that yields functional policies, and the development and implementation of economic policies that benefit the natives.