NJOMACS

This study aimed to find out the reasons behind the under-representation of women in political leadership in Nigeria, amongst several factors, such as socio-cultural norms, a patriarchal society, media misrepresentation, and financial constraints. A major and poignant factor to consider is public perception of women engaging in leadership since unfavourable perceptions will invariably lead to few votes, and as a consequence under-representation. The study aimed to find the point of view of women politicians on this based on comments, their experience in politics, and interaction with the electorate and male politicians. This research is purely qualitative, within the interpretive research paradigm since the interpretive paradigm deals with perceptions, and enables the researcher delve deep into the world of the participant. The work was premised on African Feminism hypothesis, and the Agenda Setting theory. It employed the qualitative research method, and collected data through in-depth interviews using the interview guide as instrument. The population consisted of women politicians from Plateau State while Snowball sampling technique was utilised to select 10 women politicians. Based on women politicians’ experience in politics, findings revealed that the general perception about women engaging in politics was negative. Also, it was discovered that women are not welcome into the political space both, by male politicians and the electorate. The study concluded that the media have significant roles to play in changing the negative narrative about women, especially when it comes to their occupying leadership positions in society. Recommendations include that the media should positively project women through their agenda setting role since the media are seen as socialising agents.