MASS MEDIA MOBILISATION AND REPRESENTATION OF WOMEN IN NIGERIAN POLITICS FROM 1999-2019: IMPLICATIONS FOR THE 2023 GENERAL ELECTIONS

Edith U. Ohaja (PhD), Victor Chibueze Nwogbo, Ukamaka C. M. Akata, Precious C. Caius

Abstract


Women's participation in politics is one of the major concerns of developing countries. The inadequate representation of women in politics has led to their interests and expectations being relegated to the background. However, since women constitute almost half of the Nigerian population, their interests should be protected and their views expressed. The mass media as agents of social mobilisation have significant roles to play in the development of women towards participation in politics. Therefore, this research sought to find out if the media are capable of and how they can influence women’s participation in politics in Nigeria. The study employed the survey research design. Findings indicated, inter alia, that mass media misrepresentation of women constitutes one of the major barriers to women’s participation in politics, and one of the major ways the mass media can mobilise women to participate in politics is by educating them on political participation. In the light of the findings, the study recommended that the mass media should strengthen their mechanism for balance with respect to gender-based reporting and expand their reach to women in rural areas, ensuring that political education is accessible to them.


Keywords


Nigeria, Gender, Politics, Mass media, Mobilisation, Representation.

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