The local government system is designed to promote grassroots governance and enhance political participation, particularly among underrepresented groups such as women. However, in Enugu State, Nigeria, women’s political engagement remains significantly constrained by sociocultural norms, structural barriers, insecurity, and economic limitations. This study applies the Gender and Development Theory to examine how the local government system either facilitates or impedes women’s political participation. Utilizing documentary sources, the study employs content analysis to assess the effectiveness of existing policies and interventions. The findings reveal that despite various measures to promote women’s political participation, enforcement remains weak, financial constraints persist, and entrenched sociocultural norms continue to hinder gender equity. To address these challenges, the study recommends increasing gender quotas, enforcing the 35% affirmative action policy, strengthening women’s political education, enhancing security measures, providing economic empowerment programs, addressing electoral violence, and implementing robust legal frameworks to ensure gender inclusivity.