Entrepreneurship joint venture Assignment Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 1000 words

Entrepreneurship joint venture - Assignment Example Contents Abstract 1 Contents 2 Introduction 3 Importance of venture and Working capital 4 Forms of business finance 4 Advantages and disadvantages of Venture Capital as source of finance 5 Salient issues around venture capitalists 6 Conclusion and recommendations 7 References 7 Introduction Venture capital is a form of financing that is widely used by small, medium, and large enterprises in economy. Venture capital is also referred to as equity financing owing to the fact that it addresses the financing needs of a firm in exchange of stake in the firm in question. This form of equity financing is often pursued by firms, which do not have the capacity to seek financing from other traditional financing modes like those sourced through the banks and public markets. It is worth noting that there are other forms of financing options, which the business can decide to explore to cater for its growth strategy and other operations (Mclaney & Atrill, 2006). Such options include loans from bank s, debentures, owner’s capital, and grant finance. Importance of venture and Working capital Venture and working capital are critical for any form of business that is starting up. The business under focus in this case is a beverage company known as Thasta (Mclaney & Atrill, 2006). The company by its nature needs both venture and working capital to realize increased business performance. ... sound working capital, it is important that the business possess an aggressive credit policy besides ensuring that there is operational efficiency at the facility (Mclaney & Atrill, 2006). On the other hand, it is important to take note that venture capital is equally important for the startup of the business because it does not affect the liquidity of a business. A business that is just starting operations rarely has revenue hence may not be able to afford loans or debenture leaving venture capital option as the best option for the company since it does not involve any financial obligations. It is worth noting that with regard to venture capital the various operations and projects of the company are financed in exchange for the shares of the company. Forms of business finance Apart from the venture capital, there exist other forms of capital, which include loans, debentures, owner’s capital, and grants. Loans are funds, which are advanced to the business by financial institut ions such as Banks. According to Mclaney and Atrill (2006), it is worth noting that loans attract interest over and above the principal amount. The business must therefore ensure that it regularly repays the principal amount and accruing interest. A debenture is yet another form of business financing option, which is available to the business. According to Mclaney and Atrill (2006), debentures are loan stocks, which are given subject to a trust deed. The debentures can be either redeemable or irredeemable. The firms can also raise capital for the expansion projects of the firm through equity shares. The only downside to equity shares is that it reduces the shareholding capacity of the company. Mclaney and Atrill (2006) say that grant is another form of financing option, which the firm can

Heart of Darkness Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 500 words - 2

Heart of Darkness - Essay Example The Conrad’s story seems to unfold the dark moments that might be frightening to the readers, however it does point out the benefit of civilisation. For instance, the story accounts for the civilisation that transformed the one time dark country Britain (Conrad 36). The tradition brought to the Dark Continent by the white man did not sound impressive to the blacks, but it has transformed the community to illuminate better practices, which they did not acknowledge in the first place. The modern methods of cultivation are good news to people that knew little about the existence of modern method of increasing agricultural yields (Conrad 56). Another important instance that is impressing in the novel is the modern education system. The system enabled the continent to transform from its traditional systems, which produced little in terms of industrialisation as well as globalisation. Education was the only viable way through the Dark Continent could receive the new light. Conrad observes that Africans embraced the old technology in doing their things. It did not appear to them that the society could apply scientific ways of doing the daily activities. The fruit of introduction of science to the dark part of the world brought light that is shining in this region. The roads that the colonial masters developed did not only helped the colonial masters to exert their autocratic rule in the dark world, but also enabled the blacks to enjoy trading their goods. However, the novel gives a fiery tale of inhumanity projected to the innocent blacks in the name of civilisation. The verbal abuse to the Africans by the colonial masters is disgusting. It is arguable that better ways were applicable in introducing modernity (Conrad 125). The author described the killing of the Africans as if they did not have the right to live or to chose what is good for their lives or not. The white figures did not regard blacks as human beings moreover; they did

Analyze Movie Review Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 1000 words

Analyze - Movie Review Example The setting of this book spans the time before and during the colonization of Nigeria. Things Fall Apart demonstrates how the colonizer conquers the colonized through hegemonic apparatuses, particularly, appropriating natural resources and political systems, feeding inter- and intra-tribal cultural conflicts, promoting the colonizer’s ideology as morally superior, and subverting African ideology by rewriting African history and identity. The colonizers are the European Christians who use hegemonic measures to conquer Nigerians, the colonized, one of which is through appropriating the latter’s natural resources and political systems. Hegemony refers to ideological domination wherein one worldview dominates or represses another ideology (Said 7). Stuart Hall defines ideology as the images, concepts, and principles that build the worldview by which people represents, understand, and make sense of one aspect of their social existence (271). The colonizer refers to a social group that dominates the colonized because of economic and political advantages in controlling the people and the resources of the latter. Gramsci talks about a social class that dominates others by force and consent because of political and economic outcomes (211), and the Europeans in Nigeria are examples of a dominating social class. The colonized suffers from the appropriation of their economic, political, and social resources and systems f rom colonizers who use them and their resources as means to self-serving ends. In Things Fall Apart, the Christians appropriate the natural resources of the tribes by taking away their lands, either by violence or through their missionaries. The Umuofia clan, for instance, has an Evil Forest that people fear and where the Christian missionaries build their church to prove that the former’s gods and goddesses are false. In other tribes, the novel narrates how the Europeans simply

Competition Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 1250 words

Competition - Essay Example Competition is discussed well below. He stated that "China has one of the largest labour forces in the world with a population of nearly 1.3 billion, over half of whom were in employment in 2002. About two-thirds of them are rural workers. China also has one of the highest labour participation rates in the world (over 80 per cent). As one of the largest exporting countries and the second largest beneficiary country of foreign direct investments (FDIs), China presents itself as one of the economically(Slavin, 1989) most important nations in the world. However, China's increasing interdependence with the world economy has been achieved through a period of political, social and economic change over the past twenty-five years." Because the factory laborers from China are paid very much lower per hour as compared to factory labourers that are doing the same jobs in factories located in the United States, United Kingdom and other European countries, there is a strong demand for the United Kingdom companies to outsource the m anufacturing of goods to china. This means that the United Kingdom company is encouraged to put up a manufacturing facility to produce cars and other high value finished goods in China and other countries where labour rates per hour. Many companies have reduced its workforce because some of the work can be done by the computer. Computer generated work is, in most cases, replaced by the computer.Many companies have downsized their work environment(Irwin, 2000) by replacing many human being processed work with a computer or robot. This scenario has erupted into lay-offs as well as early retirement for currently working employees because the company wants to save on salaries that will be paid on a regular basis. The unemployment rate has been increasing because. According to Malthus, the population will increase faster arithmetically as compared to the growth rate of the basic food which is geometrically. The increase in the population will result, in all probability, an increase in th e unemployment rates. COMPETITION. Competition is one of the pillars of capitalism because it will stimulate innovation, encourage efficiency or drive down prices. Competition can, in some instances may equally lead to waste because a job could be repeated and thereby increased costs and prices in some circumstances. In the supply and demand curve in economics, if there is so many competing products that are similar, then the customer has more choices to make. The competitors will then try to lower prices in the hope of cornering juice customers. On the other hand, in a monopoly economic situation, the sole supplier of goods can jack up the sales prices to generate profits and increase the sales. The customers have no other alternative but to follow. On the other hand if the demand for a product increases because of lack of finished products, then the prices of goods sold will increase for the customers will prefer to spend more and have the goods now or today.D. G. Goyder stated that (1998) "Competition is the relationship between any number of undertakings which sell goods or services of the same kind at the same time to an identifiable group of customers. Each

Information Tech. and the Canadian Economy Essay - 1

Information Tech. and the Canadian Economy - Essay Example Analysis shows that there is progress however, without further action there is an alarm. The jobs of the future will be faced with several changes which need to be addressed using technology. There is need for the men and women to be equipped with necessary skills in order to take up these jobs effectively. Low education levels as a setback has to be addressed. In the bid to have the right people for the right jobs, there is the need to ensure men and women have the right skills for the job which will be catalyzed by the fast changing technology. There is the need to shift from the age of certificate qualifications and move up to the levels of degrees and well heights beyond secondary education. Some laws should be put into effect and necessary changes made in the education systems . There is the need to consider all groups in the job market and ensure they are all represented as there has been historical under-representation of some groups for example women, immigrants, the youth and the disabled. This is in line with focusing on future trends in the job market as opposed to just concentrating on the current jobs. In the seventeenth century, there was Mercantilism, which is a system of triangular trade for economic exploitation by the colonizing powers. This is relative to the common day economic globalization. Modern globalization is accompanied by change in the political, economic, social, environmental, cultural, and religious aspects, which in the sense of information technology regard have the capability of virtual connectivity. This will enhance the relaying of information and linking of labor forces. The age limit proposed is to go up from 65 years to 67 years and has necessitated the growth of the people over 60 years to participate. As well, education for immigrants through adopted policies is crucial since it raises the growth of immigrants’

Domestic workers in America Essay Example for Free

Domestic workers in America Essay In the United States of America a domestic worker is also known as a servant and most often they work and live within the household of their employers. The servants are very distinguishable from the slaves and the serfs since they receive payments for the work they do for their employers. The domestic workers have the freedom of leaving their employment at their free will. In the households which are large there are very many domestic workers who do different kinds of jobs. In America a butler is seen as the most senior domestic worker and he performs duties such as managing the other household servants as well as handling the wines. In America the female domestic workers are known as the maids. Their household chores range from; ironing, cleaning, cooking, washing, Purchasing the household drinks and foods, caring for the children, going together with the household head for the grocery shopping as well as taking the family dogs for walks if there are any. In most instances the domestic workers in America substitute the nursing role of caring for the elderly people in different households as well as taking care of those who have disabilities. (Anderson and Bowman 1993) The different domestic worker organizations in the United States of America The domestic workers union 2000 The domestic workers union was founded in New York by some elderly caregivers, housekeepers and some nannies from the Caribbean, Latin and the African countries. This organizations has a mission of empowering, respecting, and also subjecting the domestic workers to fair labor standards in America especially in the New York City. This organization also aimed at helping in the building of a movement which would end the exploitation and also the oppression of the domestic workers in America. The domestic workers union further supports the domestic workers who have suffered some violations and also abuse as well as violation of their rights in their work places. They also conduct some referrals, they make a provision for a direct support with the domestic workers employees and they at times organize some public support to the organizations members. The other domestic workers organizations in America assist in the protection of the rights and the dignity of the American domestic workers. Some of these organizations produce a contract which is standard for all the employers and the domestic workers including the employment agencies for the domestic workers. (Chow 1994) The domestic workers organizations in America offer some nanny training programs, the computer literacy programs and also some leadership training programs. Other domestic workers organizations in America include; the domestic workers homecare centre, the united domestic workers of America, the united domestic workers of San Diego, the united domestic workers of California and the national alliance of domestic workers. How the domestic worker groups are trying to assist the domestic workers have better experiences in America These domestic worker groups break the isolation of the domestic workers who work in the domestic work industry in the United States of America. This is because without the domestic workers in America all the activities in the major cities would stop in their tracks. On the other hand since the domestic workers especially women are devalued in most of the work aspects these worker groups seek to further educate the public so that they can respect the domestic workers and the work which they do. By educating the public on respecting the domestic workers these groups tend to uncover the racial and gender inequalities which exist in the domestic work industry and the labor market. Similarly these domestic worker groups fight for the recognition of the domestic workers in America as real and also skilled workers in the American population. On the other hand most of the domestic workers are excluded from most of the basic protections which are afforded to the workers in America and this is inclusive of the national labor relations and other discrimination protections thus the domestic workers organizations in America work towards ensuring that such protections are enforced and that the working conditions of the domestic workers ere not solely left at the whims if the employers. (Anderson and Bowman 1993) Similarly these organizations further seek to establish very fair and just standards which formerly recognize the domestic workforce as a real workforce with its own protections. In addition to this these domestic organizations in the united stats of America are movements which win justice for all the domestic workers in America. (Nancy 1987) This is because they address the root causes of all the injustices as well as the exploitation which are faced by the domestic workers alone since all these issues take more than the domestic workers single-handedly. The struggles of the domestic workers in America are closely tied to the struggles of all the other American workers, the immigrants, the migrants and also the oppressed communities. The domestic workers organizations connect with each other as well as other organizations and they build a movement that is very powerful in creating the change needed in the domestic workers workforce. (Chow 1994) The domestic worker groups are looking for ways to include the domestic workers as employees and this will further lead to better working conditions for the domestic workers and they could also be free to form the labor unions just as the other employees in the United States of America. Similarly these groups work towards achieving government Acts which have fair labor standards which set the minimum and wage rates and they also address the issue of the maximum working hours for the domestic workers. Similarly these organizations ensure that the domestic workers are not discriminated on the basis of their color, religion, age, nationality, sex, race as well as their disability. (Chow 1994) How the domestic workers are treated Some of the domestic workers in America receive very bad and poor treatment from their employers as well as the other household members. On the other hand some domestic workers are treated well by their host families. The domestic workers who receive bad treatment from their employers have their privacy invaded. They are also subjected to some sexual, emotional and physical abuses which in extreme cases lead to severe injury or even death. On the other hand the freedom of the domestic workers is restricted by the employees and this implies that they are at times treated as slaves who do not have a say on the decisions that are made pertaining their lives. Many of the domestic workers in America are also treated harshly by their employers as they have their personal documents confiscated especially the new immigrants such that they cannot willingly leave their employers. On the other hand the domestic workers have their working hours and also wages violated especially the live in domestic workers. The issues that the domestic workers have to deal with Most of the domestic workers in America work under very exploitive and harsh conditions and they have very many issues which they have to deal with. For instance the domestic workers are barred from organizing into unions collectively. It is however very important to note that the domestic workers form a very significant part of the American economy yet they are not protected by the labor laws of the federal state as the other employees are protected. In addition to this the domestic workers are faced with very unique barriers of organization since they have difficulties in doing negotiations with the employers as they each are in isolation in their employers households. (Nancy 1987) Most of the domestic workers stay for significant periods with the same employers in the same industry. They are a very stable workforce and they further endure various working conditions which further violate their rights as workers as well as human beings. The domestic workers deal with a lot of issues and they are inclusive of the following; ? Wages Statistics show that half of the domestic workers in America earn very low wages. Most of them make their wages below the minimum wages. On the other hand some of the domestic workers work overtime most of whom do not receive their overtime pays for the overtime hours in which they have worked. In America the domestic workers are the key providers in their families and some of them provide for their home countries but on the other hand they face very severe financial hardships as they work in the domestic labor force. ? Abuse Similarly the American domestic workers experience a lot of abuse from their employers or even the other household members. The abuse which comes from their employers could be inform of physical or even verbal abuse and this makes then feel very insecure and uncomfortable on the other hand some of the domestic workers who face various kinds of abuse identify their immigration status and racism as the main factors which contribute to the actions of their employers. (Chow 1994) The domestic workers also experience some sexual abuse and harassments by their employers but since the employees fear their employers then they are reluctant to report such abuses to the public as well as the concerned authorities. Thus the domestic workers cannot gat any form of assistance from the humanitarian groups, the governmental agencies or even the non-governmental groups. ? Lack of health insurance Most of the domestic workers in America do not receive the health insurance or health cover from their employers. Similarly in America most of the domestic worker cannot afford decent medical care which is necessary for themselves and also their other family members. On the other hand it is only less than half of the domestic workers who get basic benefits from their employers such as sick off and other regular pay rises. (Anderson and Bowman 1993) ? Stress Most of the domestic workers in America are faced with the issue of stress in the households where they work. The employers cause a lot of stress to the domestic workers by requiring them to do multiple jobs. Sometimes the employers also require them to perform duties which are not in their job descriptions in any way. On the other hand some of the employers require their domestic workers to work for other people other than themselves. All such requirements cause a lot of stress to the domestic workers and this could even have adverse effects on their health conditions. The domestic workers experience a lot of labor exploitation and abuse than the other female workers in America and this mainly applies to the migrant domestic workers. Most of the domestic workers are isolated from their families, friends as well as the other employees. In some instances some domestic workers cannot effectively communicate with their employers and this has further led to physical or even verbal abuse. Some domestic workers are abused by their employers but they still remain for the fear that they could loose their jobs and thus they would not be able to support their families. In some extreme case the domestic workers have been severely injured and they have also been killed b their employers. (Chow 1994) Since the domestic workers have their limited choices made by their employers, the employers set the employments terms and conditions regarding their accommodations, pay, meals, contacts, off days and also their mode of payments. The employers tend to control the lives of the domestic workers in most of the aspects. Most of the domestic workers have irregular and very long working hours and they also have some irregular and low payments for their salaries. The domestic workers in America also receive accommodation and meals which are below the standards since this is determined by their employers. Some employers withhold the pay of the domestic workers and they at times fail to pay them as agreed. The domestic workers are also faced with the issue of lack of communication and movement. The employers put some restrictions which limit the domestic workers and they isolated from the outside world. Most of the domestic workers are not allowed to leave the employers houses as well as meet with other people and they are also restricted from inviting friends into their houses. Another major concern for the domestic workers in America especially the immigrants are their possession of the legal identification documents. Some of the employers confiscate the documents which belong to the domestic workers thus they are not able to register or even acquire a work permit. (Chow 1994) The measures which are being taken to rectify these situations In order to rectify the situations which are faced by the domestic workers the following measures have been taken. 1. Implementation of the domestic workers bill of rights. This bill was amended so that it could address various issues concerning the domestic workers in America. The issues which are addressed in this bill of rights included the exclusion of the domestic workers from the most basic labor protections and it also provides a further recognition for the domestic workers workforce as real workforce. Similarly in the bill of rights there was an establishment of specified protections which addressed the vulnerability and the isolation of the domestic workers to the mistreatment and also abuse from their employers. 2. Instigation of the domestic workers policies which further prevent the recruitment fees which are exorbitant for the domestic workers as well as the debt payment systems which are very exploitive for the domestic workers in the United States of America. Such policies also cover the issue of trafficking domestic workers to the United States of America. 3. In rectifying these situations the domestic work is included as a part of the formal sector of employment. This will make it more recognizable and the domestic labor will fully be protected under the labor laws. 4. There is an establishment of employment contracts which are standard for all the domestic workers in America. This helps in the protection of the domestic workers rights and responsibilities. The contract also includes a definition of the employee’s responsibilities which should be categorized under the domestic work. It also defines the payment rates as well as the working conditions under which the domestic workers should be subjected and it also defines the working hours and the day offs. The contract also considers the domestic workers who are immigrants in the United States of America. (Nancy 1987) 5. Another measure which is being taken in order to rectify the situation off the domestic workers in America is the setting of the public awareness campaigns. These campaigns are based on the laws and regulations regarding the domestic workers in America. Through these campaigns the public is enlightened on the penalties which are entitled to the employers who commit any kind of abuse to the domestic workers. On the other hand the campaigns pay a lot of attention to the issues of the racial and gender migrations and this is inclusive of the living and also the working conditions of the domestic workers. The domestic workers through the campaigns are enlightened on their rights and the rights of their employers. 6. Another important measure which is being taken in addressing the situation of the domestic workers in America is the publicizing of the complaint mechanisms and other hot line services which are accessible to the domestic workers. This would be very helpful especially for the domestic workers in America who have been experiencing all kinds of problems with their employers. Similarly this would provide a better coordination between the employers, the domestic workers and the labor inspectors as well as the immigration officers and the police. (Anderson and Bowman 1993) 7. On the other hand there is development of systematic mechanisms and also training for various labor agencies especially for the non governmental organizations in all the levels. This further ensures that all these parties have a very clear understanding of all the issues which are related to the needs and the rights of the domestic workers. Similarly they will be able to apply the suitable responses whenever the domestic workers are abuses in any way or when their rights are infringed by their employers. The trainings would help the participating parties to counsel, shelter or even refer the domestic workers for health care treatments. 8. There is also the provision of mechanisms for the domestic workers who are immigrants to the United States of America. These mechanisms call for justice if the immigrant domestic workers receive bad treatment from their employers. Similarly they ensure that the immigrant domestic workers are not exploited, cheated, persecuted and they also do not suffer from any form of abuse from their recruiters, employers and other concerned authorities. In such mechanisms there is a requirement for knowledgeable interpreters. 9. Another measure which is being taken in rectifying the situation of the domestic workers is the increase of the number of the labor inspectors in America. Their authority is also being revised so that they can be able to carry out investigations on the working conditions which apply to the informal work places such as the households. On the other hand such inspection is also undertaken on a regular basis in the households which the domestic workers work. (Chow 1994) 10. There is also the development of a positive public perception on the domestic workers especially those who have emigrated from other countries to the United States of America. This would allow the public to appreciate the value of the work which is done by the domestic workers in the country. This is creatively done through the country’s mass media especially in the soap operas whereby the domestic workers are displayed as people who play a significant role in the American economy and the whole country at large. This has further helped in counteracting the image of the domestic workers and especially the women who have very low social economic status as well as those with low education levels. 11. In the United States of America there is a regularization process for the domestic workers who are immigrants and this only grants them the right to work. Thus these domestic workers can travel to other districts but only in the company of their employers. 12. There are measures which are looking into establishing some informal and also self help organizations for the domestic workers. This would give the domestic workers an opportunity to interact as well as share their personal experiences with the other domestic workers. 13. So as to improve the situation of the domestic workers in America the government has developed some programs for the immigrant workers and this is inclusive of a pre-departure orientation which is mandatory for the domestic worker and it looks into the heath issues. The issues of the domestic workers rights and responsibilities are also addressed in the orientation. The government acts to protect the human right of the immigrant and also the local domestic workers in America. There is also an establishment of some follow-up programs whereby the employees provide the necessary information on their rights over the domestic workers under the labor laws. This would ensure that both the employees and the employers have a transparency which exists between them and thus any forms of abuses are highly avoided. (Nancy 1987) Conclusion In the United States of America the domestic workers remain to be a very significant part of the country’s secondary labor markets. However there have been very major changes in the ethnicity and the geographical origins of the domestic workers in America. On the other hand the domestic workers have been experiencing some very harsh working conditions from their employees whereby their privacy is infringed upon as well as their rights as workers and human beings. However there are some measures which have been taken to address the situation of the domestic workers in America. These include the implementation of the domestic workers bill of rights and other policies and programs which help in protecting the rights of the domestic workers in America. Reference: Anderson, C. And Bowman, M. (1993): The Vanishing Servant and the Contemporary Status System of the American South. American Journal of Sociology Chow, E. (1994): Asian American Women at Work, Survival, Resistance, and Coping. Women of Color in U. S. Society. Philadelphia: Temple University Press. Nancy F. (1987): Introduction, New Immigrants and Changing Patterns in New York City. The New Immigrants in New York; (Ed. ) New York: Columbia University Press.

Impact of Women in Government for Nigerian Democracy

Impact of Women in Government for Nigerian Democracy TIJANI, FATIMAH. A TITLE: Impact of Women Involvement In Governance and Political Leadership, Towards the Sustainable Democracy in Nigeria: 1999 – 2012. AN OVERVIEW OF THE STUDY: The focus of this qualitative phenomenological study is to explore the impact of the Nigerian woman in the involvement in governance and Political Leadership towards the sustainable democracy in the last three dispensations 1999-2012. It is no doubt that in such a patriarchal society as our women expenses such a large percentages of discrimination and marginalization in their quest for active participation. However, despite the recorded achievements of women’s rights advocates such as Funmilayo Ransome-Kuti, Margaret Ekpo, and Gambo Sawaba, there continues to be an underrepresentation of Nigerian women in leadership and political positions (Asase, 2003; Qualls, 2003). Various challenges such as gender roles and stereotypes as well as structure of the political environment in Nigeria militate against the full participation of women in political and public life. Additionally, severe hindrances of gender inequality such as the underrepresentation and discrimination as a result of cultural, social, and political norms empower men at their expense (Okome, 2006; Okunna, 1996). As a result women are struggling to gain access, have a presence or be influential in the political process of the country. They are often in a poorer position than their male counterparts in the various spheres of politics. Though a growing number of women are members of the various political parties in Nigeria, very few occupy executive positions in these parties, only very few are given the opportunity to contest for elective positions and even fewer are appointed as members of the ruling cabinet. To this end, the findings from this research may provide the following information to; to provide strategies to help decision-makers reevaluate or develop programs designed to improve the quality of life for Nigerian women towards active participation, to provide enabling channel for the empowering of Nigerian women towards gender equality as well as those in similar societies as they continue striving to obtain gender equity. To provide insights regarding the importance of including women in governance and Political leadership roles. Finally the study will also explore the various influences and presence of women in the last three dispensation in Nigeria and the roles they have played towards sustainable democracy in the country despite the little opportunity they are given. STATEMENT OF THE PROBLEM: The inferiority complex of the Nigerian women as to their active political involvement and representation constitute the crux of this Research. The gender stereotyping in Nigeria’s political system today has its genesis from the onset of colonialism in Nigeria. Making the western cultural notion of colonialism tied towards a patriarchal society which in turn is reflected in its male superiority within the Nigerians society today. The most crucial element of this research is that women are, and have been marginalized as well as sidelined in the political spheres of things in Nigeria and this current situation might cause some dangerous national catastrophe if not adequately managed. Indeed, women’s political involvement during the colonial times till date have contributed greatly towards shaping the Nigerian politics not only in democratic governance; but also during the pre-colonial era. Therefore, it will be unreasonable, and cruel to wish away the critical efforts of women in the making of Nigerian state while arrogating political powers to the male folk. It is also unjust to ascribe political seats only for the male folks in this state of globalization where the world is evolving and where the role, influence and charismatic preposition of the women in global politics is considered to be relevance and importance towards attainment of overall world peace, mutual co-existence and tranquility. In line with this I will be taking a look at the various stages of Nigerian political history and how women has been in some ways impacted to the sustainable democracy in Nigeria even when they are unimaginably sidelined, additionally ways to encourage their full participation into political posts in the country without prejudice. AIMS/PURPOSE/OBJECTIVES OF THE STUDY: The followings are the reasons why I decided to embark on this research To examine the impacts of women in governance and political leadership towards the sustenance of democracy in Nigeria To elicit their challenges, experiences and contributions to the democratic process in Nigeria To look at the disparity between the involvement of women in governance, Leadership and politics in Nigeria, and to raise concern on the lack of gender equity in the transformed democratic practise in Nigeria enlighten about their human rights for involvement and participation. This research work will form part of the requirement for the degree of the Masters in International Relations. SIGNIFICANCE OF THE STUDY: To bring to limelight ways/how Nigerian women are shattering the ceilings that limit and marginalize them in the Nigerian political scene. To provide information to help decision-makers reevaluate or develop programs designed to improve the quality of life for Nigerian women towards active participation. The findings from the study may provide insights regarding the importance of including women in governance and Political leadership roles. To serve as an avenue for further research study on the area of gender politics in the Nigerian Society. RESEARCH QUESTIONS What impact has the involvement of Nigerian women in governance and political leadership been able to add to the sustainable of democracy in the country? If more women participated in decision-making and active participation, what kind of difference would they make? What are the positions of political parties, government and other state institutions (including the three branches of government) on the role and participation of women in political and public offices? In what ways can women themselves contribute to reducing the challenges that hinder their effective participation in governance and politics in general? What lessons can be drawn from the research that would help decision-makers in general but especially political parties to address the problems of women’s participation in political and public life? What recommendations can be made to address the problems of women in politics and public offices? SCOPE OF STUDY: This study will be undertaken within the jurisdiction of the Federal Republic of Nigeria State. It will look into the impact of Nigerian women involvement in governance and political leadership towards the sustainable democracy in Nigerian politics within the last three dispensation i.e. from 1999-2012. RESEARCH HYPOTHESIS According to Ogbeide (1996), hypothesis testing is a fundamental in activity in qualitative data analysis. The statement of a hypothesis take two means: null (H0) and research (H1). While null hypothesis indicates that there is no relationship between the variables under study, the research hypothesis indicated that there is a relationship between the variables. In this study two hypotheses will be tested as shown below: Hypothesis 1 H1: Women Involvement in Governance and Political Leadership, has been impactful towards the Sustainable Democracy in Nigeria H0: Women Involvement in Governance and Political Leadership, have not been impactful towards the Sustainable Democracy in Nigeria Hypothesis 2 H1: Women participation in decision-making will help faster development of the nation H0: Women participation in decision-making will not help the faster development of the nation. METHODOLOGY: In obtaining the required information for this research, the use of qualitative and quantitative means of data collections will be used, which means Data for the study will be carried out from both primary and secondary sources. Primary data will be administered through structured questionnaires on about 700 randomly selected female politicians, activists and professionals in government and dominant political parties cross-cutting through the six geo-political zones of the Federal Republic of Nigeria. This will be done in order to capture and document a cross-cutting opinion of the targeted groups in the respective geo-political zones on the situation regarding women’s role in politics and the democratic process in Nigeria. Additionally, scheduled interview schedules will be conducted with 10 purposively selected respondents who occupied key political leadership positions whose experiences has facilitated the documentation of women’s involvement in politics and the democratic process in Nigeria from 1999-2011. The use of academic research books, journals, and writes up from feminist scholars will be highlighted. As such, this research will take its bearing from the feminist ideologies concerning the status of women. THEORETÄ °CAL FRAMEWORK This research study will take its theoretical prospect from feminist ideologies which is concerned with the status of women in every spheres in general. Feminists are of the view that in comparison to men, women occupy disadvantaged positions in most elusive dimensions of our life. The work of two feminists idelogist will be of importance here; Walby (1990; 1997) and Chafetz (1990) will be briefly examined here with particular focus on the relationships they perceive exist between domestic and public economic life with regard to the creation and maintenance of gender inequalities. A BRIEF OUTLINE: (THESIS STRUCTURE) This study will comprise of six chapters. The introductory chapter which will provide us with an overview of what the research is going to be, the objectives, literature review, research method and also samples arguments on why gender equality in politics is essential. Chapter two examines of the historical dimension and position of women in Nigerian political history dating back to its precolonial, colonial as well as postcolonial times till date. It seeks to creates insight on the various contributions of women in governance though Nigerian political history which will help the focus of this research. The third chapter will analysis the data collected based on the field research, and opinion of selected respondents via interviews and questionnaires. Chapter four on the other hand will be focusing on the impact of women involvement in Nigerian politics vis-a-viz their quest for political participation. This chapter equally introduces the three major political parties in Nigeria; and using them as case study in order to fully capture the scope of political transition period, this research analyzes the contributions of political parties towards the poor participation and representation of women since independence till date. It highlights their role in representative democracy such as practiced in Nigeria today as well as various avenues they use to hamper women’s advancement in politics. Furthermore the fifth chapter will be taking a broader insight into the impact, ways and contributions adopted by the women in Nigeria in the last dispensations to encourage gender equality in political scene, the various national as well as international policies amongst other things and how these measures have been implemented. This chapter will also analyze the impact these measures have had on women advancement in the country’s politics as well as the hindrances they have been face with. Finally, the concluding chapter, will highlight some observations, recommendations on the findings as well as recommendations from various respondents for further research study. ORGANIZATION OF CHAPTERS CHAPTER ONE: INTRODUCTION Background of the Study Statement of the Problem Aims/Purpose/Objective of the Study Significance of the Study Research Questions Scope of the Study Hypothesis Methodology Theoretical Framework Delimitation (Scope) of the Study Literature Review Operational Defination of Terms Reference CHAPTER TWO: REVIEW OF RELATED LITERATURE 2.1 Introduction- Women in Nigerian Politics: An Overview 2.2 The 1979 and 1999 Nigerian Constitution and the Status of the Nigerian Woman in politics 2.3 Women in Pre-colonial Nigeria 2.4 Women in Colonial Nigeria 2.5 Women in Nigeria Today 2.6 The Problem of Colonial Legacy to Women’s Involvement in Nigeria Politics 2.6 Ferminist Theory in Perspctive 2.7 Arguments for gender-balanced Representation Reference CHAPTER THREE: METHODOLOGY (DATA PRESENTAION, ANALYSIS AND INTERPRETATION) 3.1 Introduction 3.2 Research Design 3.3 Population 3.4 Sample and Sampling technique 3.5 Instrument for Data Collection 3.5.1 Personal Interview 3.5.2 Questionnaire 3.6 Data Analysis 3.7 Response to Questionnaire 3.8 Tabular Design of Questionnaire 3.9 Statistical Test of Hypotheses 3.10 Interpretation of Hypothesis 3.11 Summary Reference CHAPTER FOUR: CONTRIBUTORY FACTORS TO THE LEVEL OF WOMEN’S POLITICAL PARTICIPATION IN NIGERIA TODAY AND THE ROLE OF PARTY POLITICS 4.1 An Overview of the concept ‘Participation’ in politics 4.2 The rise and structure of political parties in Nigeria 4.3 A brief background of the three major political parties in Nigeria 4.4 The position of women in the Nigerian political parties 4.5 Ways political parties inhibit women in Nigerian politics Reference CHAPTER FIVE: CONTRIBUTIONS OF WOMEN TO NIGERIAN POLITICS 5.1 Impacts of Nigerian Women Involvement in Nigerian Politics towards Sustainable Democracy 5.2 Barriers and Hinderances to Women Involvement women in Nigerian politics 5.3 Actors role in increasing womenà ¢Ã¢â€š ¬Ã… ¸s political participation 5.4 Other contributions towards women empowerment and gender equality in Nigeria Reference CHAPTER SIX: SUMMARY CONCLUSION AND RECOMMENDATION 6.1 Summary 6.2 Conclusion 6.3 Recommendations 6.4 Recommendations for Further Studies