IMPACTS OF UNITED STATES AGENCY FOR INTERNATIONAL DEVELOPMENT (USAID) ON WOMEN POLITICAL PARTICIPATION IN THE FEDERAL CAPITAL TERRITORY, ABUJA, NIGERIA

Abstract

The issue of women in politics has dominated political debate since Nigeria gained its independence. Nigerian women have not received the kind of representation that is required to enable them influence the political space like their male counterparts as this makes it difficult for women to be part of the decision-making process. The study examined the impacts of USAID’s on women’s political participation in the FCT. The study adopted Liberal feminism theory to explain gradual improvements through advocating for equal rights for all, and legislation and policies that promote equality. The study relied on both questionnaire and interview and secondary sources of data. 327 copies of questionnaire were administered while 318 copies of questionnaire were duly completed and retrieved. Interviews were equally held with purposively selected members from the United States Agency for International Development (USAID), UN Women Nigeria Country Office, Women Advocates Research and Documentation Centre (WARDC), USAID Beneficiaries in the FCT and the Nigerian Women Trust Fund (NWTF). The data from copies of questionnaire retrieved were analyzed using Statistical Package for Social Sciences (SPSS 20) and presented on table using frequency and simple percentage, while data generated from interview and secondary sources were analyzed using content analysis. The findings of this paper reveal that USAID plays an important role in advancing gender equality in Nigeria. USAID has shown tremendous commitment to its aim of promoting gender equality in Nigeria in the four thematic areas of engagement through campaigns and advocacy, capacity building, partnerships and strategic alliances; service delivery and improving access to services. However, despite its efforts, the UN Women has faced challenges which undermine effectiveness of its programmes and works in Nigeria. The paper concludes that institutional structures that hinder the progress of gender equality in Nigeria should be addressed so as to solve the socioeconomic problems that have posed a major threat to the UN women programmes and works. Thus, the paper recommends creating an enabling environment for women to participate in politics should be prioritized. On their own part, Civil society organizations have an important role to play in conducting information and awareness-raising campaigns to encourage women to stand for election, give women reorientation to what politics is all about.