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Periodical article | Leiden University catalogue | WorldCat |
Title: | 'Transition politics' and the challenge of gender in Nigeria |
Author: | Abdullah, Hussaina |
Year: | 1993 |
Periodical: | Review of African Political Economy |
Volume: | 20 |
Issue: | 56 |
Period: | March |
Pages: | 27-37 |
Language: | English |
Geographic term: | Nigeria |
Subjects: | democratization women women's organizations Women's Issues Politics and Government |
External link: | https://www.tandfonline.com/doi/abs/10.1080/03056249308703983 |
Abstract: | The 'transition politics' of Nigeria's military government has not only entailed the creation of political parties (the National Republican Convention and the Social Democratic Party), but also the establishment of other organizations devised for the transition to a civilian government. A number of these are apparently directed towards improving the position of women in Nigerian society. This paper critically examines these organizations in the context of the structural adjustment programme promoted by the military government. At the governmental level, it discusses the Better Life Programme (BLP) for rural dwellers, launched in September 1987, the National Commission for Women (NCW), established in 1989, and the manifestos of the two political parties. At the nongovernmental level, it analyses the role of the National Council of Women's Societies (NCWS) and the Nigerian Association of University Women (NAUW). The conclusion is that despite an apparent acknowledgement of women's issues, the genuine liberation of women in Nigeria cannot be achieved through State-instituted reforms because the agenda of the Nigerian State is to keep women in their stereotyped role of 'mother' and 'secondary wage earner'. What is needed is an independent women's organization that can tackle gender issues within the democratic movements, trade unions, and political parties. Bibliogr., sum. |