Socio-Cultural and Economic Barriers to Women's Participation in Political Activities for Sustainable Community Development in Rivers State, Nigeria
Keywords:
Socio-Cultural, Economic Barrier, Participation, Community DevelopmentAbstract
This study discussed how socio-cultural economic barriers affect women's participation in political activities for sustainable community development in Rivers State. Socio-Cultural barriers to women’s political participation in Rivers State include traditional beliefs about their domestic roles and male-dominated cultural value systems that relegate women to the background. Economic barriers stem from poverty and a lack of access to financial resources, leading to economic dependence on men. These factors result in low representation, limited leadership roles, and fear of political violence, hindering women from effectively participating in politics for sustainable community development. Outside these barriers, the women in Rivers State would play vital roles in community development through agriculture, entrepreneurship, leadership in community bodies, and civic engagement. However, their participation is significantly hindered by a complex interplay of socio-cultural and economic barriers. Addressing these issues through legislative reforms, affirmative action, and economic empowerment is crucial to increasing women’s commitment to community goals and fostering development.
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