INCLUSION AND WOMEN REPRESENTATION IN SOCIO-POLITICAL ACTIVITIES IN NIGERIA: MAKING A CASE FOR WOMEN WITH DISABILITIES

Abstract

According to recent research by the Centre for Citizen with Disabilities in Nigeria titled "Our Nigeria, Our Disability Report," there are approximately 31 million people with disabilities in Nigeria, with women making up the bulk of this population. This paper intends to explore the challenges women including Women with Disabilities (WWD) face in Nigeria as it relates to representation in socio-political activities in the Country. Women have clamored for increased representation and 35% affirmative action in political, and social inclusiveness in the activities of the country but have encountered some obstacles. It is noteworthy that this study, used secondary data collection were data were extracted from relevant literatures and the rightsbased theory/ ideology was adopted as the best theory for the study. It examined the struggles faced by a small number of women with disabilities from 1999 to the present. Findings revealed that high levels of discrimination, inaccessibility, poor priority, and poor level of nomination form discount for women as the major challenges faced by women in Nigeria. These findings are noteworthy given the signing of the National Disability Law in January 2019 and the challenges faced by women in participating and seeking equity and equality in Nigeria. This study suggests that party systems properly open doors for women with disabilities to participate in sociopolitical activities and that legislative frameworks and policies attempting to include them should be thoroughly mainstreamed. Lastly It advocates for the National Assembly through its oversight function, should make tailored policies, awareness campaigns, and financial support mechanisms to empower and include women with disabilities in the sociopolitical landscape, advancing both gender equality and disability rights in Nigeri