Global Issue

AFFIRMATIVE ACTION IN NIGERIA DEMOCRACY

BY

ODEYALE KAYOED TOMMY

According to Agbalobi (2010) affirmative action is usually a measure intended to supplement non-discrimination. It is a broad term encompassing a host of polices that seek to support weak groups in society, especially women.

David Mark said though women had participated actively in politics in the country, they had nothing to show for their participation except to mobilize for the electoral success of other people.

In history even among the most socially advanced nations of the world, the status of women was always seen as inferior to that of men. Not only were women’s roles secondary, women were, in several cases, totally excluded from participation in certain activities.

Our generation is accommodating more and more women in politics across the world. But even more significantly in the developed world. This is clearly because the developed world has a system that encourages and educates women to value civic engagement and helps them to see themselves as empowered leaders in politics and public policy.

The implementation of Jonathan’s gender policy has increase women’s representation in government from 10% in 2011 to over 33% in 2013. His administration was a paradigm shift, which place Nigeria at 23rd out of 188 countries promoting women’s right. The leading women who at one time or the other serve with Jonathan Government are Justice Aloma Mariam Mukhtar, GCON – Chief Justice of Nigeria; Dr. (Mrs.) Ngozi Okonjo-Iweala, CFR – Coordinating Minister for the Economy and Minister of Finance; Diezani Alison-Madueke (Mrs.), CON – Minister of Petroleum Resources; Mrs. Omobola Johnson – Minister of Communication Technology; Mrs. Hadiza Ibrahim Mailafa – Minister of Environment; Hajia Zainab Maina, MFR – Minister of Women Affairs and Social Development; Mrs. Sarah Reng Ochekpe – Minister of Water Resources; Princess Stella Oduah, OON – Minister of Aviation; and Lady Amal Pepple, CFR – Minister of...