Tunde Okunlola.
Nigeria, being one of the populous countries in the world and the most populous country in Africa with over 218.5 million people as at 2022, possesses a wide range of cultural and historical traditions.
However, similar to numerous other countries, it struggles with matters related to gender equality likewise the participation of women in different fields. Regardless of notable progress in recent times, Nigerian women still face problems in areas such as politics, journalism, education, and the labor market.
In Nigerian culture, there is a long-standing tradition of patriarchy, where gender roles are deeply established in traditions and customs. Historically, women were always expected to carry out domestic duties and had less opportunities for education and economic progress.
Political representation
Political representation of women in Nigeria is low unlike the global standards.
Since the start of the Fourth Republic in 1999, the participation of women in politics has not surpassed 6%. The greatest proportion of women holding political positions was in 2011 and 2019, with 6% each. In the House of Representatives, women occupy just 5.5% of seats, while in the Senate, they hold only 5.8%. And up till date, Nigeria has not produced a female governor.
Men dominate Nigeria’s political system because they frequently have greater networks and money to back their campaigns. Women are typically sidelined and find it challenging to get into high-level political posts due to the male-dominated political culture. The underrepresentation of women in decision-making positions has garnered attention both locally and internationally.
Media industry
A recent report by a frontline Investigative journalism Centre in Nigeria, Wole Soyinka Centre, showed only about 23% of women are within the C-suites level while the rest is dominated by men. Journalism which is important in Nigeria for influencing public opinion, exposing corruption and keeping the government in checks. However, women have not had lots of influence in Nigerian media. As much as the nation has made efforts to increase the number of women in the media, female journalists continue to face various obstacles, such as safety concerns and gender discrimination.
In an interview with Blessing Famose, she said “When I was about to assume the office of the managing editor at my organization, I remembered some people saying something along the lines of “we cannot have women at the helm of affairs.” Why would you just assume that because they are ladies, they cannot deliver?
Blessing Famose (Photo credit: Tunde Okunlola)
Women have been limited to certain jobs in Nigeria. There are stereotypes that a woman won’t do well as a videographer, civil engineer, Referee and many more. The labour market is said to be rigged against the female gender. Though things are changing. The phase is just too slow
Glory, talked about her challenges as a female videographer. People doubt her ability as it is one field that has been dominated by male. She said “I get questions like, how are you hoping to excel here”. Glory continued “Women should not suffer harassment for being who they are in their line of duty and should be allowed to take leadership positions as deemed fit”.
Biases, exclusions of women in Nigeria also cut into the cultural and religious sector. Strongly held religious and cultural beliefs still prevent women from participating in politics. In many areas, women are still viewed as homemakers first and politicians as men’s domain. Early gender roles are frequently perpetuated, which results in unequal access to political, economic, and educational possibilities.
Also. in most Nigerian cultures, women are exempted from family inheritance and positions. Women are not allowed to contribute to decision taking discussions in most parts of Nigeria. Thank to a new law which had repealed that attitude, But in implementation, there is still a long way to go
This kind of discrimination prevents women from pursuing leadership positions and frequently results in a lack of support from male coworkers and relatives.
Inclusion of women in all areas of society, including politics, the economy, education, and other sectors, is not only a human rights issue but also essential for social progress and sustainable development. Global research indicates that when women are included and empowered, nations are healthier, wealthier, and more just.
What is the way forward?
The first step in altering society’s beliefs is to promote gender equality through education. Campaigns for advocacy and awareness can dispel myths and promote an inclusive way of thinking.
Policies like the National Gender Policy and the establishment of quotas for women in political posts need to be implemented with greater vigor. Gender quotas have been effectively implemented in many countries, such as South Africa and Rwanda, leading to increased representation of women in governance and the legislature.
Women’s inclusion in all facets of society is not just a moral requirement but also a tactical necessity for achieving sustainable development. In many areas, such as politics, economics, education, and the environment, women’s contributions lead to more creative, equitable, and affluent societies.
To fully benefit from women’s inclusion, governments, organizations, and communities must continue to remove barriers that restrict women from engaging fully in society and to create environments that encourage their development. By taking this action, we can build a more just, inclusive, and sustainable future for all people.
Cover photo credit: Thisday
