Is there a role for institutional reforms in bridging gender and youth gap in governance? Scholars assert that participation is a fundamental democratic right, so everyone should participate. But what if the participatory environment is hostile to some set of people because of their gender or age? Let me start with women! Women still lag behind men in different reinforcing dimensions such as their ability to access resources, employment and entrepreneurship opportunities as well as powerful positions in the political sphere. Women remain largely underrepresented. The National Parliament of Nigeria still records less than 6% women elected in Local, State and National seats. Even when women are represented in political offices, representation does not automatically translate to influence, because of the percentage of women represented in political seats, their voice is not substantial enough to be heard or fight for other women on the street, in the market, in rural communities and society at large.
In Nigeria, the extant National Gender Policy (NGP) recommended 35% affirmative action; but this is in paper as it is not being implemented. Though, there have been growing efforts made by Non Governmental Organisations to increase the level of participation of women and youths in democracy. Affirmative action and special measures needs to be implemented to increase the representation of women and youths in democratic system. An Example of a country is Nepal where their current constitution incorporates specific provisions to provide some political support to women.
Several efforts have been made by governments to address the low representation of women in elective and appointive positions in Nigeria; among such efforts are the establishment of, Nigeria Women Trust Funds, Women Lobby Group and the INEC Gender Policy. We know all there are policies in the Nigeria, but the question is are they been implemented? Am sure the answer is no. There is need we start thinking out of the box or boxes on how to implement innovative policies that will increase women participation in governance.
In a number of countries, activities like strengthening youth advocacy groups, providing quality research to public authorities, and fostering the creation of national youth councils and plans are in place for an effective youth participation in democratic affairs. In the Nigerian context, #TheNotTooYoungToRun movement galvanized national attention to the low percentage of youth participation in governance. The instrumentalities of social media and radio programs were very helpful. Young people being the dominant players in the social biosphere took advantage of the situation. This effort was complemented with advocacy activities. These led to the reduction of the age of eligibility to stand for elections in the 2019 elections.
Do you still remember my question on institutional reform? I support institutional reform to the advantage of everyone regardless of gender and age. There should be institutional reforms of the electoral system.
Salmat Abdulwaheed,
CITAD, No. 8, Accra Street, Abuja.
