Indigenous communication and women politics in Ado-Odo Ota, Ogun State, Nigeria

Abstract

The relevance of women in the society and in politics cannot be undermined. Indigenous communication offers opportunities for local participation in development efforts. Its channel allows the local people to communicate among themselves and with development professionals, using forms with which they are familiar. This study therefore sought to explore the possibility of indigenous communication playing the role of facilitating women’s participation in politics. Survey design was used as the research method. Questionnaire and interview were the tools of data collection. 394 copies of the questionnaire were useful for data analysis out of the 400 copies administered. Percentages and chi Square were used for data analysis. Also, 6 interviewees were purposively selected. The findings therefore revealed that a higher percentage of respondents (60.2%) are of the view that indigenous communication provides them knowledge on election activities. The result further revealed that only 10% of the respondents have ever contested for elective positions. The study therefore recommends, among others that elected women should come together, regardless of their political party affiliation, to work on issues of common concern to women. Women’s caucuses can also be focal points for training, communication, and other logistic support to women parliamentarians. This group can make women more effective, individually as legislators, and collectively in order to act on women’s issues.

Keywords: Indigenous communication, perception, participation, politics, women