Women as Invisible Hands that swings the pendulum of the political clock in Nigeria

Abstract
Women, who constitute 49.5% of the population of Nigeria, are noted for 
being crucial in a variety of tasks, including those of mother, time manager, community organiser, and socio-political activist. Despite the significant 
roles that women play and their numbers, society has not acknowledged the discrimination that women face, particularly when it comes to the political process of electing or selecting party flag-bearers and decision-making. This 
treatment has made women in Nigeria unable to maximise their potential 
for meaningful contributions to society. Consequently, this is one instance 
of marginalisation, where most of them are not easily allowed to participate 
fully in the political decision-making process. With the benefit of hindsight, 
women make up more than 50% of the electorate in every election. Yet, the 
political class seldom involves them in decision-making and the process 
of governance in Nigeria. The study sought to exchange knowledge and 
research-related insights that will help guide and enhance the creation of 
new studies in gender history and women’s studies. The study employed an interdisciplinary approach. Data for this study was obtained from primary 
sources, such as focus group discussions, and corroborated with secondary sources. The study contended that women are the invisible hands that swing the pendulum of the political clock in Nigeria. The study concluded that the necessary motivation for tackling the women’s issue in Nigeria is the institutionalisation and enforcement of affirmative actions on gender equity and women’s empowerment in governance and decision-making. 
Keywords: Decision-making, Democracy, Gender, Equity, Governance, Marginalisation