The Legislative Enactments On Women’s Inclusion In Governance: A Study Of Lagos State House Of Assembly, Nigeria (2015- 2022)

Abstract

Women in Nigeria have faced limitations like in different countries of Africa. This has happened in different sectors in Nigeria, most especially the inclusion in governance. Nigeria, like many other countries, has grappled with issues of gender inequality in political representation. This situation has also lowered their expected contributions to Nigerian socioeconomic development. This study examines the legislative enactments aimed at promoting women's inclusion in governance within the Lagos State House of Assembly during the period 2015 to 2022. The research focuses on the efforts made by the Lagos State legislative body to address this imbalance through the formulation and implementation of policies, laws, and initiatives. The study employs qualitative and quantitative methods of data collection. The study employs a comprehensive analysis of legislative documents, debates, and official records to evaluate the extent to which the Lagos State House of Assembly has played a role in advancing women's participation in political decision-making. The Feminist constitutionalism theory was used to underpin the analyses of the study. The data was analysed using the thematic method of analysis. The findings revealed the lack of implementation of legislative enactments that encourage the inclusion of women in governance by the Lagos State House of Assembly from 2015 to 2022. It also explains policy areas that parliaments could focus on and the role of technology as a mechanism in legislating policies that will encourage the inclusion of women in governance. The study provides valuable insights for policymakers, gender advocates, and researchers interested in understanding the dynamics of legislative processes and their impact on women's representation and participation in governance. It recommends among other things, the need for gender quotas, and regulations on political party financing that promote women’s inclusion.