CHAPTER ONE
BACKGROUND TO THE STUDY
Introduction
The role of women in state-building has been recognized globally, including in Africa, where their contributions to governance, economic progress, and social development are becoming more visible. In Nigeria, women have played a crucial role in state-building, particularly from independence in 1960 through the start of the Fourth Republic in 1999.1 Despite these contributions, the political and state-building processes during this time were dominated by men, with women often confined to minor roles. Their exclusion from key decision-making positions limited Nigeria’s potential for full development, as women were unable to fully influence policies that could drive national growth.2 It is on this backdrop, this study examines the nature of female gender and state building in Nigeria, from 1960 to 1999.
Nigerian women’s involvement in state-building has deep historical roots in pre-colonial and colonial eras. During pre-colonial times, women played key roles in governance and conflict resolution, with leaders like Queen Amina of Zaria and Moremi of Ile-Ife showcasing women’s leadership. However, the colonial era disrupted traditional systems, reducing women’s influence in governance.3 Post-independence, women struggled to regain their prominence in a system that largely excluded them from political power. Between 1960 and 1999, Nigerian women made significant contributions to state-building through economic activities, social mobilization, and civil rights advocacy. However, they faced barriers such as patriarchal norms, cultural expectations, and discriminatory laws that limited their access to leadership roles.4 Most women worked in the informal economy, with few achieving significant political representation. Military rule (1966-1979 and 1983-1999) further restricted women’s political participation due to authoritarian governance, but women remained active in organizing groups, participating in national debates, and advocating for change. By the late 20th century, women’s political voices were more prominent, though challenges to gender equality persisted.5
Despite their contributions, women were largely excluded from formal politics due to patriarchal norms, cultural expectations, and discriminatory laws. During military regimes, political participation was even more restricted, yet women organized and advocated for policy changes and social reform. Notable breakthroughs included appointments to ministerial positions during the First Republic, signaling progress in female representation. By the 1990s, increased access to education and sustained advocacy began to shift societal perceptions, allowing women to play more prominent roles in governance as Nigeria transitioned to the Fourth Republic.6
Therefore, this study attempts to highlight the place of women on a smaller scale, by using the women in Nigeria as a case study of the roles and status of women in relation to the socio-political and economic development of their society from 1960 to 1999 and examining the various changes that have occurred after the advent of independent and the factors responsible for the change. For a better and more organized research, this study is grouped into five different chapters.
Aim and Objectives of the Study
The aim of this study is to examine the nature of female gender and state building in Nigeria, from 1960 to 1999, the objectives includes
- To examine the historical antecedence female gender in nations building in Nigeria.
- To observe the impact female gender on nations building in Nigeria from 1960 to 1990.
- To survey the manifestations of female gender on nations building in Nigeria from 1991 to 1999.
- To examine the challenges by female gender in promoting nations building in Nigeria.
Scope of the Study
The scope of the study will examine women and their impact on state building from 19060 to 1999. The significance of 1960 is there to be appreciation that the women has been involved in the building process of Nigeria since inception of Nigeria independence, and also 1999 will be the climax of the research because it also capture Nigeria contemporary fourth republic and which women has been effective in bringing about developmental contributions to the socio-economic and political institutions of the Nigeria state.
Methodology
In the course of the research for this study, relevant data and information would be obtained from one main source; Secondary sources include Textbooks, Articles in Learned journals Newspapers magazine, television interview and internet materials. Information obtained from these sources would help to guide and write a comprehensive work. This would help to provide data for a historical analysis on the impact of Nigeria women on state building in Nigeria from 1960 to 1999.