Non-Governmental Organizations and the Policy Process: A Reflection on the Ekiti State Gender Equality Policy, 2011
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Date
2020-01-23
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International Journal of Social Sciences Perspectives
Abstract
The policy process is a complex one that requires formal and informal linkages
between governmental and other actors. Collaboration between the government
and Non-Governmental Organizations (NGOs) is pivotal to the attainment
of the goals of gender equality, which is to provide equal opportunities for men
and women in the society. Despite the importance of this policy, studies show
that certain factors in a policy environment might inhibit such alignment.
Using the Ekiti State Gender Equality Policy of 2011 as a case study, this
paper examined the importance of NGOs to the policy process of gender
equality policy in Ekiti State. To achieve the objectives, an online survey was
carried-out among twenty-two randomly selected workers of NGOs whose
Organizations have previously worked on gender-related policies in Ekiti.
Besides, Key Informant Interviews were conducted with two civil society
experts. Data elicited were presented and analyzed using tables, frequency
counts, percentage scores and the descriptive method. Findings showed that
NGOs were adequately involved in the formulation and adoption stages of the
Policy. However, such involvement was not fully imported into the
implementation stage. This was because of the change in government in the
State in 2014, which affected the continuity of the policy. This further
validates the argument that the implementation stage is often the grave-yard
of many good policies in Africa. It was concluded that if Ekiti State wishes to
retain its frontline position in the promotion of the gender equality, it must
ensure an improved synergy with NGOs and policy continuity.
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Keywords
NGOs,, Policy network, Policy process, Gender equality