Information Accessibility and Use as Correlates of Women Political Participation in the Niger Delta Region of Nigeria

Abstract

Abstract:Information is a crucial ingredient for political participation. A lack of relevant, accurate and timely information may lead to poor or non-participation in the political process. Women in Nigeria are known for their low level participation in politics. Demographically they are more than men but their number fails to be translated to political strength. Recent survey shows that women constitute majority of voters but score very minimal success in political gains. They occupy very scanty leadership positions and are grossly underrepresented in the strategic height of politics. Women are also checked by cultural and traditional definitions. This paper concludes that lack of relevant information is responsible for this unwholesome state of their political position being so highly circumscribed. The paper recommends development of policies and intervention strategies that will improve the political information environment of women bringing about a more inclusive representative governance with implication for sustainable structural change leading to the generation of a more participative society.

Faceless: The visual representation of overweight people in Flemish and Dutch online newspapers

“…Katz et al (1974) assert that audience characteristics influence media access. In agreement, Uwem & Opeke (2015) note that socio-demographics influence women's information accessibility. This is in harmony with political mobilization theory which identifies such factors as determinants of media use.…”

“…Political information is an important resource in raising women's political awareness and participation (Uwem & Opeke, 2015). In Kenya, radio is the dominant news medium for accessing such information (Mbeke, 2010;Schulz-Herzenberg et al, 2015).…”

Nexus between women voters’ radio exposure and grassroots electoral participation under the new devolved political dispensation in Kenya

“…Katz et al (1974) assert that audience characteristics influence media access. In agreement, Uwem & Opeke (2015) note that socio-demographics influence women's information accessibility. This is in harmony with political mobilization theory which identifies such factors as determinants of media use.…”

Radio Exposure and Drivers of Electoral Participation among Women Voters under the New Devolved Political Structure in Kenya

“…During elections, people often discuss politics within social networks comprising of mainly family members, neighbours, friends and co-workers (Schulz-Herzenberg et al, 2015). A study by Uwem and Opeke (2015) reveals that the majority of women in the Niger Delta in Nigeria obtain political information from interpersonal sources such as friends, relatives, passers-by, peers, colleagues, lay experts and village heads. The Comparative National Election Project (CNEP) conducted a survey focusing on the 2013 Kenya general election.…”