SOCIO-RELIGIOUS REFLECTION ON WOMEN IN POLITICAL ECONOMY IN NIGERIA: ISSUES AND REMEDIES

Abstract

Women constitute a significant proportion of Africa’s population and contribute substantially to the continent’s economic productivity and social development. Despite these contributions, women remain marginalized within the political and economic structures that shape national development. Nigeria exemplifies this paradox, where women actively participate in agricultural production, trade, and the informal sector but are underrepresented in political decision-making and formal economic institutions. This study examines the structural, socio-cultural, and  religious factors influencing women’s participation in political economy in Nigeria. Using a socio-religious analytical framework, the study explores how cultural traditions, religious interpretations, and institutional structures sustain gender inequalities. It also examines contemporary challenges such as political underrepresentation, limited economic opportunities, gender-based violence, educational disparities, and unequal property rights. Drawing on feminist political economy and sociological perspectives, the paper argues that socio-religious institutions can serve both as agents of marginalization and as transformative platforms for women’s empowerment. The study concludes that progressive reinterpretations of religious teachings, gender-inclusive policies, and community-based advocacy are essential for improving women’s participation in Nigeria’s political economy. The paper contributes to on-going academic debates about gender justice in Africa by demonstrating the potential of socio-religious frameworks to challenge patriarchal structures and promote inclusive development.