Articles
Examining the Challenges and Prospects of Women’s Political empowerment in Cameroon Democratic Process
Author:
Ruth F. Kinge
Gombe State University, NG
About Ruth F.
Department of Political Science
Abstract
Democratic governance in most nation-states across the globe has seemingly not been able to maximally address the widespread marginalization, and exclusion of women in decision-making processes and administration in mainstream democratic activities. In Cameroon, the narrative has remained the same amidst the low rate of women’s ascension into key political offices. This paper examines Cameroonian women’s political empowerment vis-à-vis their capacities to influence state power amidst constitutional provisions and public policies which guarantee women’s political rights. The paper argues that the lopsided institutional framework, deep-rooted traditional and cultural barriers exacerbated by poor funding, rough political terrain, and socioeconomic underdevelopment promote women’s political disempowerment. Using context analysis the correlation between the variables was determined. Situating its argument within the participatory democracy approach and power theory the findings reveal that women have not advanced to a level where many of them who are academically and professionally qualified can be elected to high executive positions. The paper concludes that the massive mobilization of women into civic activities and political engagement resulting in women’s sponsorship of choice candidates in political parties and beyond is a prerequisite for Cameroonian women’s political empowerment.
How to Cite:
Kinge, R. F. (2022). Examining the Challenges and Prospects of Women’s Political empowerment in Cameroon Democratic Process. Sri Lanka Journal of Social Sciences and Humanities, 2(2), 59–68. DOI: http://doi.org/10.4038/sljssh.v2i2.79
Published on
23 Aug 2022.
Peer Reviewed
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