Kaduna women in politics branded ‘prostitutes’ rather than judged on abilities — Study

• Sexual harassment, intimidation, godfatherism also identified as barriers

From Sola Ojo, Abuja

Social stigma, sexual harassment, intimidation and political gatekeeping are keeping women out of elective politics in Kaduna State, with female politicians sometimes branded “Karuwa” — prostitutes — rather than judged on their leadership abilities, a study has revealed.

The study found that women seeking political office also face financial constraints, godfatherism, unequal access to influential networks, insecurity and limited support from political parties and their communities.

Titled, “Study on the Reluctance of Women Running for Election/Barriers to Women’s Political Inclusion,” the research was conducted by Learn Legal Consult for Basileia Vulnerable Persons Rights Initiative across Igabi, Sabon Gari, Lere, Kachia, Zangon Kataf and Chikun local government areas of Kaduna State.

It involved surveys, focus group discussions and key informant interviews.

According to the report, participants in a preliminary media-facing listening tour said women politicians were sometimes labelled prostitutes and judged on their sexuality rather than their competence and leadership abilities.

It said the use of “Karuwa” created a social stigma capable of deterring women from politics, particularly in communities where their participation was already viewed negatively.

The study also documented accounts of sexual harassment and inappropriate demands allegedly faced by women seeking political opportunities.

“One account described a situation where a woman was told, in substance, that if she wanted political success, a man would have to touch her sexually,” the report said.

A female participant described women’s political journey as “very long and sensitive,” saying they were subjected to intimidation, derogatory names and sexual harassment.

“Women who go into politics are often given unpleasant names. Sometimes, men subject them to sexual harassment because some want to take advantage of them in exchange for positions,” she was quoted as saying.

The report said some women were also discouraged by the perception that politics was meant for “irresponsible women,” a stereotype it said affected their social acceptance.

A religious leader interviewed for the study similarly said some women were reluctant to contest elections because of the stigma attached to female politicians.

“Because of what people used to say about women, like if a woman is going to contest, they will say she is going for prostitution and whatsoever.

“So this thing always holds women from participating in anything that has to do with politics,” the religious leader was quoted as saying.

According to the survey, 71.1 per cent of respondents believed women found it harder to secure political party tickets, while 47.4 per cent said political parties did not support women seeking elective office.

It also found that 71.1 per cent of respondents had experienced or witnessed political intimidation, while 57.9 per cent considered the political environment unsafe for women.

On community support, only 5.2 per cent described their communities as supportive or very supportive of women participating in politics, while 47.4 per cent reported receiving little support.

The study also identified party structures as a major obstacle, with participants alleging that access to party leaders and influential networks could determine whether women were given a meaningful opportunity to contest.

“Another challenge is acceptance from the party chairman and party leaders. If they don’t accept you as one of the contestants, even though you come out, you will not win, because there must be a primary election,” one participant said.

The report said participants repeatedly identified godfatherism and political gatekeeping as limiting women’s access to political opportunities.

It also noted that women did not always support female candidates, with some participants saying women sometimes mobilised for male candidates instead.

The researchers, however, cautioned that the section containing the “Karuwa” findings was from a preliminary media-facing report and not the final quantitative or qualitative research report.

The study concluded that women’s political exclusion in Kaduna was structural and multidimensional, calling for reforms within political parties, stronger protection against harassment and intimidation, improved access to campaign finance and political networks, and greater community engagement.

It also called on political parties, traditional and religious leaders, civil society organisations, men and women to help create safer and more inclusive political spaces.

The study’s campaign message is: “Women can lead. The question is, will Nigeria let them?”

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