This study looks at three main ingredients of engendering women participation in local governance: (1) national policies which serve as impetus for implementation in the grassroots; (2) active and committed advocates at the local level; and (3) local chief executives who are committed to gender concerns, be they female or male. Using data on women local chief executives and case studies on women officials and local government activities, this study posits that there is gradual increase in the participation of women in electoral politics and rapid strides in the activities of women's groups. However, more have to be done in terms of local legislation and paying closer attention to issues affecting women. Moreover, there is need to orient local officials - men as well as women, about the need to engender local governance.
