Assessment of Women’s Participation in Local Government Administration in Borno State

Women's meaningful participation in local government administration remains critically low across Nigeria's North East geopolitical zone, despite constitutional provisions and international commitments to gender-inclusive governance. This study assesses the level and barriers to women's participation in local government administration in Borno State, focusing on elected and appointed positions across five selected Local Government Areas. A descriptive survey design was employed, with structured questionnaires and interviews administered to 120 respondents including female councillors, women's group leaders, civil servants, and community members. Data were analysed using frequency distributions and content analysis. Findings reveal that women hold fewer than 9% of elected and senior administrative positions in the studied local governments, with patriarchal norms, insecurity, financial constraints, and low educational attainment identified as the leading barriers. Female participants report experiencing overt hostility and social stigmatisation when seeking elective office. The study finds that the 35% affirmative action policy of the Nigerian government is not enforced at the local government level in Borno State. Recommendations include mandatory gender quotas for local government appointments, capacity building for aspiring female politicians, and community sensitisation on women's right to political participation. Findings add to the growing literature on women's political inclusion in conflict-affected zones of North East Nigeria. Keywords: women, local government, political participation, Borno State, gender quota