Article Details

This study examines women’s political participation in Boki Local Government Area of Cross River State from 1999 to 2023. Despite increased democratic opportunities, women remain underrepresented in political leadership. The study explores the level and nature of participation, identifies socio-cultural, economic, and institutional barriers, and assesses strategies for enhancing inclusion. Using Feminist Political Theory, the research reveals that women actively participate as voters and mobilizers but face significant challenges in attaining leadership positions due to patriarchy, financial constraints, and institutional discrimination. The study finds that while progress has been made in political awareness, a gap persists between participation and representation. Therefore, affirmative action, economic empowerment, educational advancement, and political reforms are strategic to improving women’s political participation in Boki and should be highly intensified.

Socio-cultural barriers, Political representation, Gender inequality, Boki, Women’s political participation,