Theatre for Development as a Veritable Tool for Women Participation in Community Development; A Study of 2015 Kuyambana Field Experience in Kaduna State, Nigeria.

Abstract

In Nigeria, there have been increasing trends over the issue of women segregation in development process and governance. This has sprung up concerns among scholars and development agencies as it is seen as gender mis-representation in driving development. Achieving gender equity is one of the United Nation’s highest priorities and is considered as a necessary precondition for fully achieving development (UNDP 2012). Women have been subjugated and marginalized in development related issues due to socio-cultural beliefs which can serve as an inhibiting factor in creating gender balance towards achieving sustainable development especially in the northern part of Nigeria. However, in canvassing for gender equity in development, several participatory models have been conceptualized to serve as guide for community driven development. Thus, Theatre for development has become a strong medium for engendering women participation as it gives them a voice in the decision making process. In proving this fact, the crux of this study is to analyze and discuss evidence from the 2015 Kuyambana Development Communication field experience. This paper conclusively attests that Theatre for Development is a means to promoting gender participation in achieving the desired goals to bring about societal change in the society.