Gender Mainstreaming and Women Political Representation in Edo State

Abstract

The purpose of this research was to analyses the correlation between gender mainstreaming and the number of women holding elected office in Edo State. The study set out to answer two main questions: first, to what degree has women's political presence in Edo State improved the state's politics, and second, to what variables work against women's political representation in Edo State. Ambivalent sexism was the theoretical framework used in the investigation. Because it incorporates a variety of techniques for gathering data that constitute the research, the chosen methodology is mixed methods. Despite widespread neglect of women in politics in Edo State, the results demonstrated that their representation has improved. The study also aimed to uncover the reasons that hinder women's political presence in the state. The study also found that women's political representation is significantly correlated with gender mainstreaming, which may be explained by the fact that women's voices are increasingly heard in calls for equal representation in policymaking. On the other hand, the study found that the lack of women's representation in Edo State is due in part to corruption, violence, vote buying, rigging, abuse of human rights, and murder. Accordingly, the research concluded with the following suggestions: In order to minimize financial and electoral malpractices, the independent electoral commission (INEC), which acts as an electoral umpire, should first make sure that election expenditure is limited and then embrace the use of new technology. Secondly, it is important for women's mobilization organizations to raise awareness among both urban and rural women about the importance of being politically active. Finally, in order to achieve gender equality, the constitution needs be amended.