Interrogating Gender, Political Participation and Representation in Ekiti and Ondo States: 1999-2024

This study interrogate gender, political participation in Ekiti and Ondo states between 1999-2024.It examined issues in democracy by investigating the nature of inverse relation of low representation of women in decision -making positions especially at the levels of executive and legislative arms of government comparatively with high women’s population in Ekiti and Ondo states in the fourth republic for the past twenty-five years. The study examined political, socio-economic and structural factors hindering gender equality and equity in electoral process, its implications on democratic governance and consolidation in both Ekiti and Ondo states. The research methodology entails the application of mixed-methods which are qualitative and quantitative mode of data gathering and analysis. The theoretical framework of analysis is feminism theory with the aims to put an end to oppression, marginalization of women in public realm and to achieve gender equality in political participation and representation in democracy. In conclusion, the study recommend empowerment of women, the need to de-emphasize patriarchal norms, gender stereotype, legislative adoption and implementation of gender electoral quota system that will enhance gender-balancing in political representation in Ekiti and Ondo states.