A Comparative Study of Women’s Empowerment, Political Participation and National Development in Nigeria and Rwanda in the 21st Century

Abstract This research, focused on a comparative study of women’s empowerment, political participation and national development in Nigeria and Rwanda in the 21st century, with the aim of assessing critically, and comparing the progress recorded by the two countries in the implementation and achievements of the Beijing Resolutions of 1995. It also examined the determinants of women empowerment in Rwanda and the root cause of low levels of women’s economic empowerment and political participation in Nigeria. The research design and methods used were theoretical and literature review of related works. Findings were subjected to critical analysis before drawing conclusions. The research data was gathered from an in-depth study of the key concepts- women empowerment, political participation, national development, and also from reviewing the available literature in related topics. Findings indicated that major challenges impeding the closure of the gender gap in Nigeria are patriarchal party structure, gender insensitive policies and stereotypes and societal norms. It was concluded that these encumbrances are deliberately included in party guidelines and requirements to keep women perpetually out of full participation in political activities in Nigeria. It was recommended among others that deliberate efforts should be made to remove all gender class divisions including the glass ceiling effects and stereotypes from political participation and all inclusive policies for women political participation.

Keywords: Women empowerment, Political participation, National development and gender disparity.