THE FIGHT FOR GENDER EQUALITY: ARE WE REALLY MAKING PROGRESS?

Introduction

The issue of Gender equality globally isn't just a women’s issue; it’s a national issue that affects the progress, economic growth, and the societal well-being of the Nation at large.

Across the world, nations that have embraced gender equality enjoy stronger economies, lower poverty rates, and healthier societies. Yet, in Nigeria, despite years of advocacy, policies, and global commitments, the question remains: Are we truly making progress?

As of 2023, according to the World Bank Data, women constitute approximately 49.44% of Nigeria's total population, indicating that the population is nearly evenly divided between men and women, yet they continue to face barriers in leadership, employment, education, and personal rights.

As we celebrate International Women’s Day 2025, there's a need to take a step back and re-assess where we started from, where we are now, and what still needs to be done to achieve true gender equality in Nigeria.

Where Did It All Start From?

Historically, Nigerian women have played critical roles in shaping our society. In the Pre-colonial era, Nigeria had powerful female leaders like Queen Amina of Zazzau and Funmilayo Ransome-Kuti, who fought for women’s rights and political participation. However, colonial rule introduced structures that favored men in governance, education, and employment, pushing women to the margins.

For example, Male-focused education policies were established, primarily focused on educating boys while the girl child was confined to domestic roles. Girls' education was limited to subjects like homemaking, while boys were trained for governance, administration, and higher education.

The post-independence era saw efforts to reintroduce women into leadership, yet deep-rooted cultural and systemic barriers remained. Over time, movements advocating for women’s rights, both locally and globally, gained momentum, leading to Nigeria signing international agreements like the Convention on the Elimination of All Forms of Discrimination Against Women (CEDAW). Despite these efforts, change has been slow.

Where Are We Currently as a Nation?

Nigeria has made great strides in gender equality both from the public and private sectors, but there’s still a long way to go. Let’s examine the key areas:

1. Political Representation

Despite policies like the National Gender Policy (NGP), which recommends 35% female representation in politics, women's participation in politics remains shockingly low. In the 2023 general elections, women held only 4.5% of elective positions, with just three out of 36 states having female deputy governors. Additionally, women make up less than 10% of Nigeria’s lawmakers, highlighting the persistent gender gap in leadership and decision-making.

2. Economic Empowerment

Women are the backbone of Nigeria’s economy, driving entrepreneurship and contributing massively across industries. Yet, they continue to face barriers in accessing credit, business funding, and leadership opportunities. The gender pay gap remains a pressing issue, with women earning significantly less than men for the same roles. Despite their resilience and impact, systemic challenges still limit their full economic potential.

3. Education and Child Marriage

More girls are stepping into classrooms than ever before, yet poverty and cultural norms continue to push many out. Statistically, In some northern states, over 60% of girls never complete secondary school, limiting their future opportunities. Meanwhile, Nigeria remains one of the world's hotspots for child marriage, with millions of girls forced into wedlock before they turn 18. These challenges not only rob girls of their education but also hinder their potential to thrive and contribute fully to society.

4. Gender-Based Violence

Despite growing awareness and legal strides, gender-based violence remains a harsh reality for many Nigerian women. Domestic violence, rape, and harmful practices like female genital mutilation (FGM) persist at alarming rates. The Violence Against Persons Prohibition (VAPP) Act marks a significant legal victory, yet its full implementation remains patchy across states, leaving countless women unprotected and vulnerable. There's a need to Bridge the gap between policy and action to ensure real safety and justice for our women.

What Are the Laws Guiding Gender Equality in Nigeria?

Several laws and policies aim to protect and promote gender equality:

• The Nigerian Constitution (Section 42)

This law protects everyone, including women, from discrimination based on gender, ethnicity, or religion. It means that no one should be treated unfairly just because they are a woman or belong to a particular group.

• The National Gender Policy (2006, revised 2021)

This policy advocates for women to hold at least 35% of leadership and decision-making positions in government. It aims to create more opportunities for women in politics, business, and public service.

• The VAPP Act (2015)

This law criminalizes gender-based violence and harmful practices like domestic violence, rape, and female genital mutilation (FGM). It provides protection for victims and ensures tougher penalties for offenders.

• The Labour Act

This law ensures that women receive equal pay for equal work and protects them from unfair treatment in the workplace, including during pregnancy and maternity leave.

• The Child Rights Act (2003)

This law protects children by making early and forced marriage illegal, ensuring that every child has the right to a safe and healthy childhood.

Are We Close to Establishing Equality or Still Very Far?

The reality is that while progress has been made, Nigeria is still far from true gender equality. The country continues to struggle with deeply ingrained cultural biases, weak enforcement of gender-friendly laws, and limited political will to push for systemic change.

However, there is hope. More women are entering leadership spaces, advocacy is stronger than ever, and younger generations are challenging outdated norms. The rise of women-led movements, digital activism, and increased awareness is accelerating the push for equality.

The Role of Women in Promoting Gender Equality - How women can also Fast-Track gender equality in Nigeria

Women have always been at the forefront of the fight for gender equality. But beyond advocacy, women can also:

• Support and mentor other women in business, education, and leadership helping to build a stronger network of empowered individuals.
• Speak up against discrimination and harmful cultural practices, ensuring that outdated norms do not continue to limit opportunities for the next generation.
• Challenge biases within families, workplaces, and communities by pushing for fair treatment and equal opportunities.
• Invest in financial independence, as economic empowerment helps break barriers and give women greater control over their futures.

The Role of Men in Promoting Gender Equality

Gender equality is not just a women’s fight. Men also have a critical role to play:

• Challenging sexist norms and speaking out against discrimination.
• Supporting women in leadership and economic growth.
• Educating boys on respect, consent, and equality from an early age.
• Being allies in the fight against gender-based violence.

Systemic Approach to Promoting Gender Equality in Nigeria and Beyond

If Nigeria is serious about achieving gender equality, then systemic change must be a top priority. This requires a deliberate, multi-level approach that addresses the root causes of inequality.

1. Education & Awareness: Gender equality should be integrated into school curriculums from the primary level to challenge stereotypes and shift mindsets early.

2. Policy Implementation: Passing progressive laws is not enough! Strict enforcement, accountability, and measurable impact must follow.

3. Economic Inclusion: Women need greater access to funding, job opportunities, and leadership roles to bridge economic disparities.

4. Political Representation: Deliberate strategies, such as gender quotas and leadership training, should be implemented to increase women’s participation in governance.

5. Stronger Legal Frameworks: Gender-friendly laws must not only exist on paper but be fully enforced across all states, ensuring real protection and opportunities for women.

Conclusion

So, are we really making progress? Yes, but not fast enough. Gender equality in Nigeria is still a work in progress, with significant challenges to overcome. However, if women and men work together, demanding policies that empower women, breaking harmful cultural norms, and fostering inclusion, then together we can create a society where gender truly does not determine opportunity.

As we celebrate International Women’s Day 2025, let’s not just talk about gender equality let’s take action. Every step we take today brings us closer to a Nigeria where women and men have equal opportunities to lead, thrive, and succeed.

Now, over to you: What steps do you think Nigeria should take to accelerate gender equality? Drop your thoughts in the comments!

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