Female empowerment in Nigeria

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Nigerian women

Female empowerment in Nigeria is an economic process that involves empowering Nigerian women as a poverty reduction measure. [1] [2] Empowerment is the development of women in terms of politics, social and economic strength in nation development. It is also a way of reducing women's vulnerability and dependency in all spheres of life. It can be noted that the aggregate of educational, political, health and legal empowerment are key to women's empowerment in Nigeria. [3] Like many African women, Nigerian women have a subordinate role to their male counterparts. There are twice as many women below the poverty line than men and up to 19 times as many men in executive positions than women. [4]

Contents

Social imbalances

At the core of Nigeria's social imbalance is a distorted power dynamic in determining family size. This male-centered focus points to a critical population problem. Women are eliminated from the decision-making process of how many children they are going to have and when they are to have them. There are very few population control guides that target men to reduce the high fertility rate. For anything to work as far as population control, men and women must both have equal power in the household. [5] There are imbalances within marriage, religious and government institutions, and access to good health programs. The United Nations, as well as a majority of nations across the globe, have developed and organized programs that aim to ameliorate gender inequalities. Women's development was adopted as the third-millennium goal in 2000, the World Conference on Women in Beijing 2000, and many others.

Political and financial constraints

Women are nearly non-existent on the Nigerian political scene, more so at the federal and state levels. [4] Male domination of decision-making and violence has led to women not feeling free and comfortable enough to engage in political matters. Additionally, successful political advisors are not likely to support female candidates so it could be difficult for them to pave a path in politics. [4] There are major differentiations when it comes to starting businesses and getting credit loans for men vs. women in Nigeria. When women in business have fewer employees and shorter longevity than men, this gender gap becomes even wider. [6] Within the countries of Tunisia and Zimbabwe, women business owners worked in time intervals throughout the day. The time involved in maintaining a business with little pay was undesirably restrictive and directly conflicted with their family responsibilities. [6] There have been experimental techniques to expand women-led businesses in Nigeria such as advocating start-ups and productivity through grants, mentoring, and business technical training. [6] A program by the name of YouWiN!, gave insight to young men and women on how to carry out their business ideas and conquer certain challenges that come with starting a business. [6]

Indices

In Nigeria, the effect of women empowerment can be measured using indices such as education, literacy rate, employment, and leadership roles. [7] Lynne Featherstone has said that "High rates of maternal mortality and violence against women make Nigeria one of the toughest places in the world to be born a girl". [8]

Government initiative

In looking to achieve the Millennium goal of women's development, the Nigerian government initiated the Women's Fund for Economic Empowerment and Business Development for women entrepreneurs, while "second chance" was meant to re-introduce dropped-out women due to pregnancy back to school. At the Sixty-fourth General Assembly, it was reported that "the number of senior female civil servants was judged to be 22.5 percent, while judicial appointment across the 36 States constituted about 30 percent. A national action plan on the Promotion and Protection of Human Rights in Nigeria was deposited with the United Nations Human Rights Council in Geneva in July 2009. A chapter was devoted to the rights of women and children. A National Policy on Sexual Harassment in Educational Institutions has also been put in place. Free medical treatment was provided for victims of domestic and sexual violence at temporary shelters that were being established nationwide. Nigeria was also working to improve the education of girls by recruiting more female teachers, creating skill acquisition programmes for girls and women, and providing textbooks at subsidized rates, among other measures. Judges and magistrates were continuously being trained on gender and women's rights. Health system facilities were being scaled up". [9]

Education

Educational statistics have been used as an indicator of gender inequalities versus women's empowerment in Nigeria. [7] The population census conducted in 1991 by the Federal Government of Nigeria found that 61% (41 million) of Nigerian women "suffer from intellectual poverty". [10] In Africa, there are different forms of education, such as agricultural extension programmes, in-service training, out-of-school education, audio-visual education, mass media education, vocational education, in-service personnel training, community development, cooperative education, evening classes, library services, extra-moral education, and trade union education. [11]

The report shows that Nigerian women are not favored in the evolution of the educational system in the country. In 1965, 37.75% of the population in primary schools were girls while only 9% of undergraduates were female. By 1974, the percentage of female undergraduates increased to 25.5%. The major enrollment from girls was only in teaching and social courses. In absolute terms, there were 138,334 male and 50,652 female students in Nigerian universities during this period. The challenges faced by girls were due to the perception of society on gender qualities. [10]

Female property rights

There are unwritten customary norms that subjugate women in many African countries. [12] In their patrilineal system, the Igbo people of Nigeria's south-eastern region pass succession and inheritance rights down to the male progeny. Igbo women are typically not allowed to inherit; however, in some communities, female offspring are allowed to do so under joint tenancy with their brothers. In these situations, the eldest brother still has power over the property. [13] The rights of Nigerian women to inherit property from their deceased parents have been upheld by the Supreme Court. [14] The Igbo customary law that prevents a female child from receiving a share of her deceased father's assets violates Section 42 (1) and (2) of the Nigerian Constitution, a fundamental rights clause that every Nigerian is entitled to. [14] The abuse of women's property rights typically starts in the home and is a reflection of what goes on in society at large. It is typically the closest relatives - the father, brothers, husband, and brothers-in-law - who easily violate women's rights, from the time of birth through adolescence to married life and widowhood. [12] In light of the Supreme Court of Nigeria rulings, it is undeniably actionable at the appropriate court of law for a female to be excluded in the division of the estate of a man who dies intestate.

Empowering Nigerian women in agriculture

In sub-Saharan Africa, the subject of gender disparity in access to economic and productive resources has received considerable attention. [15] Women in Nigeria play significant roles in food production and agriculture; according to reports, women small-scale farmers make up between 70 and 80 percent of the industry's workforce. They are responsible for the majority of domestic food production, processing, marketing, and preservation.

In contrast to their male counterparts, women's access to productive inputs, including better seed types, extension services, and land input is constrained, according to many studies, notably in sub-Saharan Africa. [16] [17] [18] [19] [20] They have limited access to land, credit facilities, training, and advice for farm inputs, technology, and crop insurance, among other things, despite all of their massive contributions to this sector. [21]

About 14% of the land used for farming is owned by women small farm owners, and the government's agricultural sector pays them little attention despite their important responsibilities in food production. According to estimates, women could considerably help accomplish Sustainable Development Goal (SDG) 1(eradicating extreme poverty and hunger), if they had access to capital, land, technology, and training guidance on par with men. [21] USAID says that empowering women to own and manage their land and produce is the first step toward ensuring Nigeria's future food security.

Thousands of women farmers are receiving the tools, information, and resources they need to increase their incomes and the lives of their families and communities thanks to a partnership between Feed the Future and the Nigerian Trade Hub. [22] Gender mainstreaming is recommended in Africa, including Nigeria, for agricultural policies and programs for inclusive financing for food security and sustainable development, as women dominate and play major roles in producing subsistence crops and livestock. [23]

See also

Related Research Articles

Feminization of poverty refers to a trend of increasing inequality in living standards between men and women due to the widening gender gap in poverty. This phenomenon largely links to how women and children are disproportionately represented within the lower socioeconomic status community in comparison to men within the same socioeconomic status. Causes of the feminization of poverty include the structure of family and household, employment, sexual violence, education, climate change, "femonomics" and health. The traditional stereotypes of women remain embedded in many cultures restricting income opportunities and community involvement for many women. Matched with a low foundation income, this can manifest to a cycle of poverty and thus an inter-generational issue.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">African feminism</span> Type of feminism

African feminism includes theories and movements which specifically address the experiences and needs of continental African women. From a western perspective, these theories and movements fall under the umbrella label of Feminism, but it is important to note that many branches of African "feminism" actually resist this categorization. African women have been engaged in gender struggle since long before the existence of the western-inspired label "African feminism," and this history is often neglected. Despite this caveat, this page will use the term feminism with regard to African theories and movements in order to fit into a relevant network of existing Wikipedia pages on global feminism. Because Africa is not a monolith, no single feminist theory or movement reflects the entire range of experiences African women have. African feminist theories are sometimes aligned, in dialogue, or in conflict with Black Feminism or African womanism. This page covers general principles of African feminism, several distinct theories, and a few examples of feminist movements and theories in various African countries.

Gender inequality is the social phenomenon in which people are not treated equally on the basis of gender. This inequality can be caused by gender discrimination or sexism. The treatment may arise from distinctions regarding biology, psychology, or cultural norms prevalent in the society. Some of these distinctions are empirically grounded, while others appear to be social constructs. While current policies around the world cause inequality among individuals, it is women who are most affected. Gender inequality weakens women in many areas such as health, education, and business life. Studies show the different experiences of genders across many domains including education, life expectancy, personality, interests, family life, careers, and political affiliation. Gender inequality is experienced differently across different cultures and also affects non-binary people.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Women in Ghana</span> Overview of the status of women in Ghana

The status of women in Ghana and their roles in Ghanaian society has changed over the past few decades. There has been a slow increase in the political participation of Ghanaian women throughout history. Women are given equal rights under the Constitution of Ghana, yet disparities in education, employment, and health for women remain prevalent. Additionally, women have much less access to resources than men in Ghana do. Ghanaian women in rural and urban areas face slightly different challenges. Throughout Ghana, female-headed households are increasing.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Women in Nigeria</span> Overview of the status of women in Nigeria

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<span class="mw-page-title-main">Women in Uganda</span> Overview of the status of women in Uganda

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<span class="mw-page-title-main">Female education in Nigeria</span>

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<span class="mw-page-title-main">Women in Africa</span> Overview of the status of women in Africa

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Gender inequality refers to unequal treatment or perceptions of individuals wholly or partly due to their gender or sex. It arises from differences in socially constructed gender roles. Gender inequality in Nigeria is influenced by different cultures and beliefs. In most parts of Nigeria, women are considered subordinate to their male counterparts, especially in Northern Nigeria as well as in other sectors including the Nigeria music industry, politics, and education sector. It is generally believed that women are best suited as home keepers.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Rural women</span>

Rural women are a fundamental part of rural communities around the world. They play an important part in rural society, providing care and being involved in number of economic pursuits such as subsistence farming, petty trading and off-farm work. In most parts of the world, rural women work very hard but earn very little.

The colonization of the West African region that lies across the Niger took place between the mid 19th century to 1960 when Nigeria became recognized as an independent nation. This systemic invasion introduced new social, economic, and political structures that significantly altered Indigenous notions of gender fluidity and gender roles. The imposition of Western ideologies and patriarchal systems impacted the pre-existing gender dynamics, leading to shifts in power relations, societal expectations, and individual identities and expressions, becoming a complex interplay between colonial influence and Indigenous cultural practices. European colonial powers introduced legal frameworks that often reinforced patriarchal structures and diminished the recognition of Indigenous practices that embraced gender diversity. The imposition of Western legal systems had lasting consequences, influencing inheritance laws, property rights, and marital practices. This not only marginalized women within the legal framework but also eroded the traditional roles of certain societies where women held significant economic and political power. The juxtaposition of colonial legal norms with Indigenous customs created tension and reshaped the social fabric, contributing to the evolving landscape of gender roles and fluidity in Nigerian cultures. This impact of colonial legal systems and educational structures interacted with the diverse cultural landscapes of Nigeria, affecting communities in distinct ways. The consequences of colonial impositions on legal frameworks and educational curricula were filtered through the lenses of diverse cultural contexts, shaping unique challenges and opportunities for different ethnic groups.

References

  1. ↑ Okemakinde, Timothy (2014). "Women Education: Implications for National Development in Nigeria". European Journal of Globalization and Development Research. 9. ISSN   2220-7414.
  2. ↑ Pereira, Charmaine (26 January 2009). "Appropriating 'Gender' and 'Empowerment': The Resignification of Feminist Ideas in Nigeria's Neoliberal Reform Programme1". IDS Bulletin. 39 (6): 42–50. doi:10.1111/j.1759-5436.2008.tb00510.x. ISSN   0265-5012.
  3. ↑ CHINEKEZI NWAIGWE, STELLA (1 December 2014). "Education as a Tool for Women Empowerment in Nigeria" (PDF). Journal of Resourcefulness and Distinction. 9: 2. Retrieved 31 August 2016.
  4. 1 2 3 “Browse the Library.” Challenges Facing Women Empowerment in Contemporary Nigeria | Gender Hub, www.genderhub.org/get-in-the-know/resource-library/challenges-facing-women-empowerment-in-contemporary-nigeria/.
  5. ↑ Frazier, Brionne, et al. “Empowering Nigerian Women.” Brown Political Review, 2 May 2016, www.brownpoliticalreview.org/2016/04/empowering-nigerian-women/.
  6. 1 2 3 4 “The Road to Female Economic Empowerment.” The Republic, 26 February 2017, www.republic.com.ng/vol1-no1/the-road-to-female-economic-empowerment/.
  7. 1 2 Akudo Chinedu Ojoh (2 September 2013). Empowering Nigerian Women in the 21st Century: Measuring the Gap. GRIN Verlag. ISBN   978-3-656-17503-2.
  8. ↑ Lynne Featherstone. "Girls and women are vital to progress in Nigeria". Department for International Development. Retrieved 8 August 2016.
  9. ↑ "Efforts to Empower Women, Initiatives to Promote Sustainable Economic Growth Mutually Reinforcing, Say Third Committee Speakers". United nation. Retrieved 8 August 2016.
  10. 1 2 James A Ojobo (2008). "Education: a catalyst for Women Empowerment in Nigeria" (PDF). Ethiopian Journal of Education and Sciences. 4 (1): 93–108. doi: 10.4314/ejesc.v4i1.42995 . Archived from the original (PDF) on 16 September 2016. Retrieved 7 August 2016.
  11. ↑ Fredrick Nafukho; Maurice Nyamanga Amutabi; Ruth Nabwala Otunga (2005). Foundations of Adult Education in Africa. Pearson South Africa. pp. 94–. ISBN   978-92-820-1121-8.
  12. 1 2 Ajayi, Mary Adebola; Olotuah, Abiodun Olukayode (2005). "Violation of Women's Property Rights within the Family". Agenda: Empowering Women for Gender Equity (66): 58–63. ISSN   1013-0950. JSTOR   4066538.
  13. ↑ "Nigeria: Supreme Court Invalidates Igbo Customary Law Denying Female Descendants the Right to Inherit". Library of Congress, Washington, D.C. 20540 USA. Retrieved 9 March 2023.
  14. 1 2 "Do Nigerian Women Have The Right To Inherit Properties?". The Guardian Nigeria News - Nigeria and World News. 6 March 2022. Retrieved 9 March 2023.
  15. ↑ Ashagidigbi, Waheed Mobolaji; Orilua, Olajumoke Oluwatoyosi; Olagunju, Kehinde Ademola; Omotayo, Abiodun Olusola (July 2022). "Gender, Empowerment and Food Security Status of Households in Nigeria". Agriculture. 12 (7): 956. doi: 10.3390/agriculture12070956 . ISSN   2077-0472.
  16. ↑ Quisumbing, Agnes R.; Pandolfelli, Lauren (1 April 2010). "Promising Approaches to Address the Needs of Poor Female Farmers: Resources, Constraints, and Interventions" (PDF). World Development. 38 (4): 581–592. doi:10.1016/j.worlddev.2009.10.006. ISSN   0305-750X.
  17. ↑ Ali, Daniel; Bowen, Derick; Deininger, Klaus; Duponchel, Marguerite (1 November 2016). "Investigating the Gender Gap in Agricultural Productivity: Evidence from Uganda". World Development. 87: 152–170. doi:10.1016/j.worlddev.2016.06.006. hdl: 10986/25367 . ISSN   0305-750X. S2CID   54913377.
  18. ↑ Aguilar, Arturo; Carranza, Eliana; Goldstein, Markus; Kilic, Talip; Oseni, Gbemisola (May 2015). "Decomposition of gender differentials in agricultural productivity in Ethiopia". Agricultural Economics. 46 (3): 311–334. doi:10.1111/agec.12167. hdl: 10986/17317 . S2CID   59144176.
  19. ↑ Adebayo, Ogunniyi; Bolarin, Omonona; Oyewale, Abioye; Kehinde, Olagunju; Adebayo, Ogunniyi; Bolarin, Omonona; Oyewale, Abioye; Kehinde, Olagunju (2018). "Impact of irrigation technology use on crop yield, crop income and household food security in Nigeria: A treatment effect approach". AIMS Agriculture and Food. 3 (2): 154–171. doi: 10.3934/agrfood.2018.2.154 . ISSN   2471-2086.
  20. ↑ Ogunniyi, Adebayo; Oluseyi, Olagunju Kehinde; Adeyemi, Ogundipe; Kabir, Salman K.; Philips, Francis (June 2017). "Scaling Up Agricultural Innovation for Inclusive Livelihood and Productivity Outcomes in Sub-Saharan Africa: The Case of Nigeria: Scaling Up Agricultural Innovation". African Development Review. 29 (S2): 121–134. doi: 10.1111/1467-8268.12267 .
  21. 1 2 "Women Lead Agriculture In Nigeria – CIRDDOC" . Retrieved 11 March 2023.
  22. ↑ "Growing rice, empowering women: Providing tools for Nigerian women rice farmers to prosper | West Africa Regional | News". U.S. Agency for International Development. 24 August 2022. Retrieved 11 March 2023.
  23. ↑ Akokuwebe, Monica Ewomazino; Amusan, L; Odularu, G (2 September 2021). "Women development in agriculture as agency for fostering innovative agricultural financing in Nigeria". African Journal of Food, Agriculture, Nutrition and Development. 21 (7): 18279–18299. doi: 10.18697/ajfand.102.19345 . ISSN   1684-5374. S2CID   239154651.
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