Women constitute an integral segment of the Nigerian population.
CHAPTER
ONE
INTRODUCTION
1.1
Background
to the study
Women constitute an integral segment
of the Nigerian population. Long before Nigeria’s independence, Several women
have, at certain points held leadership positions in the political sector. The
struggle dates back to the 19th century, where women like Queen
Amina of Zaria and Nana of Itsekiri, against all odds, set a landmark for the
remarkable journey of women leadership in Nigeria. In 1957, a couple of women
political activists like Mrs. Margaret Ekpo, Mrs. Janet, Mokelu and Mrs. Young
were members of the eastern house of assembly. The late Funmilayo Ransom Kuti,
thought not a full-fledged politician, played a huge role in politics in the
western region. Also, Hajia Gambo Sawaba fought fiercely for the political and
cultural emancipation of women in the North.
At present, women have continued to
prove themselves in the political scene. For instance, Mrs. Ngozi Okonjo
Iweala, the former Minister of finance, saved the nation records of billions of
naira during her tenure. Also, the late Prof. Dora Akunyili, served diligently
and remarkably during her time as Director-General of National Agency for food
and Drug Administration and Control of Nigeria (NAFDAC), and as former Minister
of Information. Other women like Oby Ezekwesili of Due process fame and Ndi
Okereke Onyilike have also made laudable achievements in their official
assignments.
The broadcast media functions majorly
as an avenue for the transmission and sensitization of information. This makes
it crucial to the process of development and mobilization. In the evolving
world, broadcast media is increasingly being used because of its ability to
reach a large mass of audience. This might account for why Nwankwo (1996) said
that, ‘One vital factor in the pursuit of gender equality in politics is the
media’.
In 2015, power changed hands as
Muhammadu Buhari emerged as President of Nigeria, defeating his predecessor,
Goodluck Ebele Jonathan. It became however an issue of great concern that, out
of the thirty-seven people he nominated for the ministerial position, only six
are women. This is a huge setback from the previous administration, where 31%
of ministers were women. While campaigning, the President promised to implement
the national gender policy which commits to affirmative action and requires
that women fill 35% of appointed positions. Inspite of this, the state of
political participation from Nigerian women has remained depressing and the
decreasing rate of women in politics is alarming.
In Nigeria, Broadcast media has been,
in diverse settings and diverse circumstances, able to overcome certain national
problems and also enhance the success of campaigns in many fields. However,
what impact has the broadcast media made in motivating women for leadership
positions in politics?
This study focuses on critically
analyzing the impact of the Nigerian broadcast media in motivating women for
leadership positions in politics.
1.2
Statement
of the problem
It is not a hidden fact that women are
underrepresented in the world of politics. This may be because of the
disturbing assumption that “a woman’s place in the kitchen”.
Over the years, however, Nigerian
women have been occupying political positions and contributing significantly to
the success of the economy, but this, sadly cannot be compared to other nations
of the world today. Globally, women have risen up to the challenge and are
steadily proving their mettle as key participants of the decision-making
process.
However, today in Nigeria, one
question lingers in the minds of many; will there ever come a time where we
would boast of a democratically elected female president? Is this even
possible?
It is worthy to note that broadcast
media could significantly influence the acceleration of women in politics.
Therefore, this research was carried out with the purpose of critically
examining the level of impact that broadcast media has made in motivating women
for leadership positions in politics.
1.3
Objectives
of the study
This
study aims at:
i.
Analyzing how much impact broadcast
media has made in motivating women for leadership positions in Obio-akpor local
government area.
ii.
Comparing the position of women in
politics presently to the previous administration.
iii.
Analyzing the number of women that have
held political positions in Obio-Akpor Local Government Area of Rivers State,
both past and present.
iv.
Assessing the readiness of women in
Obio-Akpor Local Government Area towards acquiring leadership positions in
politics.
1.4 Research
questions
i.
How much impact has broadcast media made
in motivating Nigerian women for leadership positions in politics in Obio-akpor
local government area?
ii.
What is the position of women in
politics presently compared to the previous administration?
iii.
How many women have held political
positions in Obio/AKpor Local Government Area of Rivers State, both past and
present?
iv.
How interested are the women in
Obio/Akpor Local Government Area of Rivers State towards acquiring leadership
positions in politics?
1.5 Significance
of the study
This work is significant in so many
ways. First, it is aimed at the level of impact the Nigerian broadcast media
has made on motivating women for leadership positions in politics.
This work will also help to sensitize
women groups and to influence their consciousness on the need to take up
political positions. Also, it is aimed at focusing the searchlight of these
women towards broadcast with regard to gender equality in politics.
The results and recommendations of the
study will be a reference for media practitioners and the entire women folk.
Finally, it is hoped that this
research will contribute significantly to literature.
1.6 Scope
of the study
This study is primarily concerned with
the analysis of the impact of the Nigerian broadcast media (television and
radio) in motivating women for leadership positions in politics. This is with a
view to ascertain how such impact has empowered them to take on leadership
positions in politics.
The scope of this study has been
narrowed down to women who are within age 25-60 and are inhabitants of
Obio-Akpor Local Government Area in Rivers State.
1.7 Limitations
of the study
Due to the fact that this study seeks
to analyze a critical issue in Nigeria today, the research would have been
expanded to cover a wide range of relative issues, but time and financial
constraints were limiting factors in this regard.
1.8 Operational
definitions of key terms
i.
Broadcast:
The act of sending messages/information to a large heterogeneous audience.
ii.
Impact:
In respect to this research, it can be defined as the powerful effect that an
individual or organization has on another individual or organization.
iii.
Media:
A means, channel of transmitting ideas and information.
iv.
Motivation:
Also, in respect to this research, it is the process of supporting and
influencing a person towards a particular goal.
v.
Politics:
The activities associated with the governance of a country.
vi.
Positions:
For the sake of this study, it can be defined as the place of power being held
by a person or group.
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