Journal of Development Communication And Applied Theatre

This study examines the capacity of film as an advocacy instrument for upscaling women's inclusion in governance in Nigeria, using IshayaBako and BemPever’s4th Republic film as case study. Anchored on feminist media theory (Mulvey, 1975; Zoonen, 1994), cultivation theory (Gerbner, 1973), auteur theory (Sarris 1963), and intersectionality theory (Crenshaw, 1989), the study analyses how media representations influence/shape audience perceptions of political reality that either reinforce or challenge gendered roles. Adopting a qualitative research design, the study employs textual and thematic analyses to examine how the film’s construct presentation deconstructs gender, power, and political participation. The study explores how the film contributes to public discourse on gender equity, leadership, and democratic engagement within Nigeria. Through systematic analysis, the study identifies recurring themes and dominant frames that define women’s roles in governance and reveal the socio-cultural and institutional factors that enable or constrain female political participation. Findings indicate that 4th Republic portrays women as politically aware, morally grounded, resolute and capable actors, thereby challenging traditional gender stereotypes. However, the film also reflects persistent patriarchal resistance, gendered power relations, and structural exclusion that limit women’s full participation in political leadership. The study concludes that while film hold significant potential as advocacy platform for gender-inclusive governance, this potential depends on deliberate, gender-sensitive narratives that confront entrenched stereotypes.Consequently, the study recommends prioritising equitable, and intentional gender-sensitive narratives that focus on logical, purpose-driven, and competent representation of women in films to promote inclusive democratic participation in Nigeria.

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