Politics Participation of Women through Inclusive Library Programs in Public Libraries of Northern Nigeria

Abstract

The purpose of the study is to examine the Political Participation of Women through Inclusive Library Programs. The purposive sampling method was used. 8 public librarians in Northern Nigeria were selected as participant for the study. A semistructured interview method was used to collect data. The semi- structured interview consisted of open- ended questions, which guided the interview process. The study revealed that all the participants, except one, said they did not organize programs to support women participation in politics. The study discovered that the major challenges encountered in organizing such programs are, inadequate funding of the libraries; difficulties in convincing the women to attend programs, among others. In addition, the participants advised that Seminars, workshops, discussions groups, women to women meetings should be organized with the collaboration of Non-Governmental Organizations (NGOs) and Association of Women Librarians in Nigeria (AWLIN) to sensitize women in the community to support women in politics and encourage their fellow women to participate in politics. It is recommended that Public librarians should create more awareness amongst themselves on the importance of inclusive library programs, services and environment in order to cater for the needs of their diverse community especially women