Ojogbon Globalization

  How does the interplay of sex, gender, and politics in Nigeria contribute to a culture of governance that disadvantages women? How Sex, Gender, and Politics Disadvantage Women in Nigeria I show an intricate link between sex, gender, and politics in Nigeria, forming a culture of governance that disadvantages women. This culture is deeply rooted in structural violence. I focus here on the fifth, sixth and seventh ways identified in the chapter concerning how the complex interplay of sex, gender and politics in Nigeria contribute to a culture of governance that disadvantages and marginalizes women. 

How does structural violence manifest in Nigeria's political landscape, and what are its consequences for women's political participation? Manifestations and Consequences of Structural Violence in Nigeria's Political Landscape I provide a rich and nuanced exploration of how structural violence manifests within Nigeria's political landscape and the profound consequences it has for women's political participation. I argue that structural violence, a system of embedded inequalities that produces avoidable harm, operates through various interconnected mechanisms to systematically disadvantage women, limiting their access to power, silencing their voices, and undermining their ability to shape political decisions that impact their lives.

How does structural violence manifest in Nigeria's political landscape, and what are its consequences for women's political participation? Manifestations and Consequences of Structural Violence in Nigeria's Political Landscape I provide a rich and nuanced exploration of how structural violence manifests within Nigeria's political landscape and the profound consequences it has for women's political participation. I argue that structural violence, a system of embedded inequalities that produces avoidable harm, operates through various interconnected mechanisms to systematically disadvantage women, limiting their access to power, silencing their voices, and undermining their ability to shape political decisions that impact their lives.

How does the structural violence impact education in Nigeria? Examining the Impact of Structural Violence on Education in Nigeria I provide a compelling case for how the concept of structural violence illuminates the deeply entrenched inequalities that permeate the Nigerian education system. These inequalities, often rooted in historical legacies of colonialism and exacerbated by contemporary socio-economic and political structures, systematically disadvantage certain segments of the population, particularly girls and children from impoverished backgrounds, denying them access to quality education and perpetuating cycles of marginalization.

How does the concept of structural violence explain the marginalization of women in Nigeria? How Structural Violence Explains the Marginalization of Women in Nigeria The concept of structural violence offers a powerful framework for understanding the deep-rooted and multifaceted ways in which women in Nigeria are marginalized. This concept highlights how seemingly impersonal social, economic, and political structures systematically disadvantage women, limiting their access to resources, opportunities, and power, and perpetuating their subordination within society. #genderequity, #genderequality,#Democracy, #genderandpolitics, #civilrights, #women, #Genderequity, #GenderEquality, #WomensRights, #structuralviolence, #VAWG, #womenspoliticalparticipation,#GBV,#WomensHumanRights.  

What are the specific examples of structural violence that affect Nigerian women in politics? Specific Examples of Structural Violence Affecting Nigerian Women in Politics I offer several specific examples that demonstrate how structural violence impedes the participation and representation of Nigerian women in the political sphere. These examples showcase how deeply entrenched inequalities and systemic biases create a hostile environment for women seeking to engage in politics, reinforcing their marginalization and undermining their capacity to exercise their political rights.

The chapter used the Ibrahim Index of Governance (IIAG) in its assessment of gender equality in Nigeria. The key indicators used by IIAG  for Assessing Gender Equality are discussed in this section. The Ibrahim Index of Governance in Africa (IIAG) employs a multi-dimensional approach to evaluate gender equality performance across the African continent. The index encompasses eight key categories, each with specific metrics designed to capture the multifaceted nature of gender equality.

How does structural violence contribute to gender inequality in Nigeria? The Deep Intertwining of Structural Violence and Gender Inequality in Nigeria I provide a comprehensive analysis of how structural violence in Nigeria, a system of embedded inequalities that produces avoidable harm and suffering, is deeply intertwined with the perpetuation of gender inequality. I demonstrate how this system operates across various dimensions of Nigerian society, creating and reinforcing disadvantages for women that limit their opportunities, agency, and representation, ultimately undermining their full participation in social, economic, and political spheres.

What is the relationship between the Nigerian state and citizens' security and how does this relationship affect gender relations? The Complex Relationship Between the Nigerian State, Citizen Security, and Gender I show a complex and troubling relationship between the Nigerian state and its responsibility to ensure the security of its citizens, a relationship that is deeply intertwined with, and exacerbates, existing gender inequalities. I argue that while the Nigerian constitution guarantees the security of its citizens, this guarantee is selectively applied, favoring the wealthy and powerful while leaving the majority, particularly women, vulnerable to various forms of violence and insecurity. This selective application of security provisions, the sources argue, is a manifestation of structural violence, a system of inequality that produces and perpetuates avoidable harm and suffering.

Part 3 of what I said in my chapter, "Sex, Gender, and Politics: Issues in Nigeria’s Governance Culture," Chapter 6 in Gender and Governance in Nigeria.... Oluwafunmilayo Para-Mallam and Mojubaolu Olufunke Okome eds. Published by National Institute for Policy and Strategic Studies, NIPSS Kuru Press, 2023 What are the eight principles of good governance as identified by the United Nations? The UN's Eight Principles of Good Governance are enumerated in this section. The big question is whether these principles are evident in Nigerian politics.

Part 2 of what I said in my Chapter. "Sex, Gender, and Politics: Issues in Nigeria’s Governance Culture" How do I define structural violence, and how does it relate to gender and governance in Nigeria? Defining Structural Violence and its Relationship to Gender and Governance in Nigeria I define structural violence as any avoidable harm or insult to basic human needs and the well-being of sentient life, encompassing physical, mental, and spiritual aspects. This harm results in the lowering of an individual's real level of needs satisfaction below its potential. I further explain that structural violence: Can manifest in various forms, including threats that create fear, distorted cognitions and emotions, and hopelessness, which are enumerated in this section. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=gqSOWbFxJV4

Here's Part 1 of what I said in Chapter 6 of Gender and Development in Nigeria: Concepts, Issues and Strategies, edited by Funmi Para-Mallam and Mojubaolu Okome published by Nipss Kuru Press in 2023. This section is: An Examination of the Structural Violence Faced by Women in Nigeria This is an in-depth analysis of structural violence against women in Nigeria. Structural violence, in this context, refers to the systemic and institutionalized practices, norms, and power imbalances that perpetuate gender inequality and hinder women's full participation in various aspects of society. This summary highlights the various ways this manifests and how deeply embedded it is in Nigerian society. You are invited to the book talk today, October 23, 2024. Here's Part 1 of what I said in Chapter 6 of Gender and Development in Nigeria: Concepts, Issues and Strategies, edited by Funmi Para-Mallam and Mojubaolu Okome published by Nipss Kuru Press in 2023. This section is: An Examination of ...

This is part 4 of a reading of my first book, the product of my PhD research. Mojúbàolú Olúfúnké Okome (1998). A Sapped Democracy: The Political Economy of the Structural Adjustment Program and the Democratic Transition in Nigeria, 1983-1993. Baltimore, MD: University Press of America. This part of the book summarizes alternative scholarly views on dual transitions and my methodology in the study. The book is a study of the interaction between liberal economic and political reforms in Nigeria between 1983 and 1993. The work investigates the causes and outcome of the Nigerian state's decision to undertake a simultaneous, dual transition. It considers the role of the state, multilateral organizations and domestic politics as potential causes of policy and the dynamic interaction between economic and political processes during the transition as determinants of the outcome. Few studies focus on the interaction between the role of the multilaterals, external creditors, and the state as ...

Join me in exploring the 3rd part of the reading. This is a focus on the dynamics of Nigeria's politicaleconomy in the 1980s and 1990s through the lens of my first book, a product of my PhD research. Titled "A Sapped Democracy." This is a study of the Political Economy of the Structural Adjustment Program and the Democratic Transition in Nigeria. Unpacking the interplay between liberal economic reforms and political changes, this study sheds light on Nigeria's dual transition period. It interrogates the complex interactions between the roles of the state, multilateral organizations, and domestic politics, and their influence in shaping policy decisions and the complex relationship between economic and political processes during the transition. Through a focus on the involvement of multilaterals, external creditors, and powerful domestic actors, this research unveils the intricate power struggles that characterized Nigeria's development strategy. By examining the i...

Part 2 of A SAPPED DEMOCRACY: The Political Economy of the SAP & the Political Transition in Nigeria, 1983-1993. Questions and Argument presented. Watch this space for more readings of the book. #Nigeria #DualTransition 

What's happening in Nigerian politics today is essentially history repeating itself--neoliberalism and democratization combined in a process that promises what it is not delivering--development and democracy. A lot of the comments being made, particularly related to the commemoration of June 12 (Democracy Day), reminded me of the book's continued relevance. It's now out of print. I'm doing a multi-part reading. This is the first part.

Foreword: We Rise Stories of women who overcome, as told by women who overcame. Mojúbàolú Olúfúnké Okome Professor of Political Science, African & Women's Studies Leonard & Claire Tow Professor, 2015/2016 Brooklyn College, CUNY   I ordinarily don’t read short stories. But my dear Sister, Ejiro Otive Igbuzor asked me to write the foreword to this collection, and I could not refuse. I am glad that I accepted. These stories are gems that explore numerous manifestations of gender relations in Nigerian society. They offer skillfully written, interesting, thought-provoking and imaginative accounts of the relationships between men and women. They expose the challenges, fault-lines and pitfalls as well as the bittersweet and tumultuous relations of dating, marriage, and breakups....

The Women of Distinction Award Ceremony 2024 was interesting, meaningful and fun. I spoke about Ella Josephine Baker. Kudos to Assembly Member Bichotte-Hermelyn for showing appreciation for the work that women in the 42nd NYS Assembly District are doing. This is the 9th year. Looking forward to future events.

Part 5 of the reading of my chapter "EMERGENT AFRICAN IMMIGRANT PHILANTHROPY IN NEW YORK CITY" in J. Krase and R. Hutchison, eds. 2004. Race and Ethnicity in New York City. Research in Urban Sociology, Volume 7, 181–193. Here I give a brief account of some African immigrant organizations, and offer an agenda for the future. It's the conclusion. Philanthropy is one of the central ideals of African traditional mores. It is no wonder then that African philanthropy takes many forms within New YorkCity’s immigrant community. The key features of immigrant African philanthropy include the prominent role of informal institutions, lack of visibility to external observers and non-members of group, and small-scale philanthropic efforts by groups organized along ethnic, kinship, and national lines. Globalization shapes the decision to become an immigrant, the location chosen for settlement, and the challenges faced in both home country and country of settlement. Many African immigr...

Part 4 of the reading of my chapter "EMERGENT AFRICAN IMMIGRANT PHILANTHROPY IN NEW YORK CITY" in J. Krase and R. Hutchison, eds. 2004. Race and Ethnicity in New York CityResearch in Urban Sociology, Volume 7, 181–193. Here I give a brief definition of exiles, and examine some of the issues germane to the subject of African Immigration as well as relations among the old and new African Diaspora communities. Philanthropy is one of the central ideals of African traditional mores. It is nowonder then that African philanthropy takes many forms within New YorkCity’s immigrant community. The key features of immigrant African philanthropy include the prominent role of informal institutions, lack of visibility to external observers and non-members of group, and small-scale philanthropic efforts by groups organized along ethnic, kinship, and national lines. Globalization shapes the decision to become an immigrant, the location chosen for settlement, and the challenges faced in bot...

Part 3 of the reading of my chapter "EMERGENT AFRICAN IMMIGRANT PHILANTHROPY IN NEW YORK CITY" in J. Krase and R. Hutchison, eds. 2004. Race and Ethnicity in New York CityResearch in Urban Sociology, Volume 7, 181–193.I now turn to definitions. Here, I give a brief definition of refugees.  Philanthropy is one of the central ideals of African traditional mores. It is nowonder then that African philanthropy takes many forms within New YorkCity’s immigrant community. The key features of immigrant African philanthropy include the prominent role of informal institutions, lack of visibility to external observers and non-members of group, and small-scale philanthropic efforts by groups organized along ethnic, kinship, and national lines. Globalization shapes the decision to become an immigrant, the location chosen for settlement, and the challenges faced in both home country and country of settlement. Many African immigrant organizations are male dominated in leadership and decision...

Part 2 of the reading of my chapter "EMERGENT AFRICAN IMMIGRANT PHILANTHROPY IN NEW YORK CITY" in J. Krase and R. Hutchison, eds. 2004. Race and Ethnicity in New York CityResearch in Urban Sociology, Volume 7, 181–193.I now turn to definitions. Here, I give a brief definition of immigrants.Philanthropy is one of the central ideals of African traditional mores. It is nowonder then that African philanthropy takes many forms within New YorkCity’s immigrant community. The key features of immigrant African philanthropy include the prominent role of informal institutions, lack of visibility to external observers and non-members of group, and small-scale philanthropic efforts by groups organized along ethnic, kinship, and national lines. Globalization shapes the decision to become an immigrant, the location chosen for settlement, and the challenges faced in both home country and country of settlement. Many African immigrant organizations are male dominated in leadership and decision...

Part 1 of the reading of my chapter "EMERGENT AFRICAN IMMIGRANT PHILANTHROPY IN NEW YORK CITY" in J. Krase and R. Hutchison, eds. 2004. Race and Ethnicity in New York City Research in Urban Sociology, Volume 7, 181–193. Philanthropy is one of the central ideals of African traditional mores. It is no wonder then that African philanthropy takes many forms within New York City’s immigrant community. The key features of immigrant African philanthropy include the prominent role of informal institutions, lack of visibility to external observers and non-members of group, and small-scale philanthropic efforts by groups organized along ethnic, kinship, and national lines. Globalization shapes the decision to become an immigrant, the location chosen for settlement, and the challenges faced in both home country and country of settlement. Many African immigrant organizations are male dominated in leadership and decision making, with an emphasis on volunteerism and recognition of those ...

My Epilogue to the Book, Gender Responsive Budgeting in Practice: Lessons from Nigeria & Selected Developing Countries, edited by Bola Akanji and Funmi Soetan, Published by Lexington Books, 2022. The epilogue begins: "The Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) have gender equality as Goal Number Five: “Achieve gender equality and empower all women and girls.” But gender parity still remains an aspiration in much of the globe especially in developing countries. The COVID-19 pandemic has made the challenge even more formidable (World Economic Forum, 2021; UN Department of Economic and Social Affairs, 2021). According to the World Economic Forum (WEF), “As the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic continues to be felt, closing the global gender gap has increased by a generation from 99.5 years to 135.6 years.” Both the WEF and SDGs exemplify how the global concern for gender equality and women’s empowerment have become recognized as key elements of sustainable development. The benchmarks...

The Chibok Girls: Structural Violence, Gender, and Education in Nigeria’s Northeast. Chapter by Mojúbàolú Olufúnké Okome in The Stolen Daughters of Chibok, edited by Dr. Aisha Muhammed Oyebode. Photographs by Akintunde Akinleye. Published by Powerhouse Books in 2023. Excerpt from the INTRODUCTION to the longer piece: In this chapter, I argue that the best explanation for the plight of the poor in Nigeria is the pervasiveness and depth of structural violence, which denies them of human security (Galtung, 1969). Although structural violence is pervasive in Nigeria, there are gendered, religious, class and regional variations that cause more or less marginalization. Girls born into poor families are affected to a greater degree because they are already marginalized by the combined consequences of the prevalence of extreme poverty and the gender-based discrimination that causes bias against girls’ education and toward more responsibility for housework and caregiving, as well as early marri...

I engaged in #SomberTuesday , a long-term advocacy for #EndSARS youth protesters that enabled me to contribute a chapter to the book: Institutions and Popular Will in Africa’s Search for Democracy, Development and Peace: Essays in Honour of Professor Oyeleye Oyediran, edited by Babafemi Badejo, Adigun Agbaje and Cyril Obi, published by Bookbuilders Edition, 2023. This is a reading of the introduction to my Chapter: "Contextualizing Democracy, Nigerian Youth Protest and Activism." The book should be available for purchase online soon.

I'm excited that I now have the physical copy of a book that I co-edited with Prof. Funmi Para-Mallam​, which was published in November last year. Here's the preface. You'll find an excerpt from the concept note that gives you an idea of what the book is about at the link.