Women's participation in politics and some obstacles.

Have you ever noticed that in every political systems, there's always the dominance of the system by men than women. In some African states, it is believed that women are less intelligent and doesn't fit for political roles. Even in more civilized and contemporary political systems in the developed states, women are still looked down upon by their male counterparts when it comes to making political decisions or occupying offices of power.

Participation in politics may come in different roles or segment. A person who votes during election is participating in politics. Vying for political roles or posts is also a means of participation in politics. A country that wants progress and development must be able to embrace mass participation in politics both from men and women of the state, mass participation in politics will helps to bring out the best of the leaders who will govern the people right.

Let's consider some of the reasons why women don't involve themselves in politics or participate in politics.

1. EDUCATION AND TRAINING.

Most families with inadequate financial resources will resort to sending the male child to school leaving the girl to other ways of life hence making women a liability. When it comes to politics, people always look at for the best in terms of education and training and it's so sad that women are always at disadvantaged position especially in African states. Most families will rather give the best education and training to their male children and leave the female ones because they believed that the males will do better than the female ones.

Education and Training serves as a major obstacle to women's participation in politics because most times, women are not educated and trained in the same capacity like the men to hold political positions. Women need to power to be able to resist violence and subjugation by men, but the means to get that power through provision of education and training is hindered.

2. WOMEN'S DUAL BURDEN AND THEIR TRADITIONAL ROLES.

Historically and traditional in the African states, women are also known to be house keeper and they are limited within the confines of the home. They are not allowed a say in matters that are external. People'a expectation of women in the society has incapacitated the will of women to vote or participate in politics. Some people believed that the roles of the woman is just to take care of the children and manage the home, people assumed that this ascribed role should be solely performed without any interference (political participation). In some places, women who decide to participate in politics are seen as irresponsible, because they neglected their traditional roles and try to logger heads with the men in the political space or systems. Women are generally believed to be limited to the kitchen and child rearing and they're not expected to have aspirations in politics or participate at all. It's one of the obstacles that hinder women's participation in politics.

3. THE PERCEPTION OF POLITICS AS BEING DIRTY GIVEN THE HIGH LEVEL OF FRAUD AND CORRUPTION.

Women are naturally believed to be less aggressive and modest unlike men. When politics is seen as a dangerous game that can only be played by hardened men, it's always a turn off for women who desires to hold political positions. Many believed politics is dirty and only dirty people can play it. This assumption may wane off the interest of the women to vote or participate in elections. There is also the issue of lack of confidence, when the women are not confident enough to take part in political decisions that affect the country.

Access to resources, money and education can also serve as an obstacle to women's participation. Men always get the upper hand when it comes to getting resources and money to pursue political interests than the women.

To have a good political structure and system that breeds democracy, men and women must be allowed equal chance in political participation. Resources needed should also be distributed fairly and equally without centering gender.