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Tackling Gender Inequality In Nigeria

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3 years ago

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Gender inequality has been an issue of public discourse and great concern to many in Nigeria, especially the womenfolk, who are said to have been marginalised and deprived of certain rights and privileges in the socio-economic cum political development of Nigeria.
However, over the years, the federal and some states government have begun to take steps to tackle the issues of gender imbalance.
The word gender describes the socially-constructed roles and responsibilities that societies consider appropriate for men and women.
Gender inequality is the unequal treatment or perceptions of individuals wholly or partly due to their gender sex. This means that gender equality is attained when men and women have equal power and equal opportunities for financial independence, education and personal development. It is a fundamental human right which is essential to achieve peaceful societies, with full human potential and sustainable development.
The United Nations has been in the forefront in advocating gender parity and balance. The United Nation’s Secretary-General, Mr. Antonio Guterres has stated that achieving gender equality and empowering women and girls is the unfinished business of our time and the greatest human rights challenge in our world.
Within the UN’s first year, the Economic and Social Council established its Commission on the Status of Women, as the principal global policy -making body dedicated exclusively to gender equality and advancement of women. Women’s rights as a human right was part of international human rights law by the Universal Declaration of Human Rights which was adopted by the UN General Assembly on 10 December, 1948.
As the international feminist movement began to gain momentum during the 1970’s, the General Assembly declared 1975 as the International Women’s Year and organised the first World Conference on Women, held in Mexico City.
The Nigerian Constitution provides for gender equality and discrimination, though women continue to suffer injustices and marginalization. This could be as a result of discriminatory laws, religious and cultural norms, gender stereotypes, low levels of education and the effect of poverty on women.
Despite these hurdles, some women had worked through to hold key leadership positions in Nigeria, leaving behind majority of women in all spheres where they have been historically excluded and discriminated against.
Rivers State, in recent times has been in the forefront of promoting women’s rights and closing the gender gap, especially in politics. Specifically, gender-related legislations have come into effect to impact on the rights of women and also empower them to rise to their potentials. Some of the legislations include; Rivers State Abolition of Female Circumcision Law,No.2; 2001; Rivers State Law on Reproductive Health,2003; School’s Rights (Parents, Children and Teachers)Law; No. 2, 2005; Child Rights Law, 2009; Violence Against Women Prohibition Law, 2020. Similarly, the 9th Assembly has carried out several measures to ensure that issues that concern women were given priority attention. One of the measures is the “Rivers State Prohibition of the Curtailment of the Rights of Women to Share in Family Property Bill,2022”, which has passed public hearing state.
At the political and administrative levels, more women have been empowered to contribute to the Socio-Economic and political development of the state. A lot of women have been appointed judges and Permanent Secretaries, while in the last seven years the state has had a female deputy governor, with the possibility of continuity in 2023.
However, gender equality in Nigeria was rated at 0.34% in 2020 according to World Bank sources. Also, Nigeria ranked 139th out of 153 countries, the worst since 2006, according to a data from a 2021 Global Gender Gap Index by the World Economic Forum(WEF).
These reports which show disparities in access to education, proper health and employment in Nigeria had lead to temporal or permanent disabilities, mental health disorders and others.
But the struggle to bridge the inequality gap in Nigeria started subtly and unconsciously in 1929 during the Aba Women’s riot. Though, over the years, remarkable growth has been recorded which is evident in the noticeable presence in all spheres of life in Nigeria. It is also evident that topmost gender issues in Nigeria include gender based violence, education parity, child marriage and pregnancy, economic inequality due to discriminatory employment practices cum unrecognized domestic work and political exclusion.
Reports have it that one in every three Nigerian women had suffered physical or sexual violence. According to the 2018 Nigeria Demographic and Health Survey, 31% of women between the ages of 15 and 49 have experienced sexual violence, while 9% have experienced sexual violence. Also,36% of once married Nigerian women have suffered spousal violence. It also reported that Nigeria has a prevalence of female genital mutilation, at least 20% of Nigerian women between ages 15 and 49 were circumcised as of 2018.
Incidents reported include situations where Nigerian women are in greater danger of molestation by the law enforcement officers. This explains the reason why more women featured prominently in the ENDSARS protests against police brutality in October, 2020. Greater number of women were victims of targeted violence by law enforcement.  In 2019, after police raided two Abuja night clubs and arrested sixty-five women on suspicion of prostitution, they reportedly raped those who could not afford bail. Also, inter-ethnic, religious and generalized bandits in the northern States and kidnapping across many parts of the south tend to have similar impact.
Many girls especially from poor families still face some types of gender discrimination mostly in education. Reports have it that access to education for school age girls in Nigeria is also low. Statistics from Nigeria’s Universal Basic Education Commission  (UBEC) showed that males had higher enrolment numbers for basic education as of 2018. In 2019 in the West African Senior Certificate  Examination (WASSCE) in Nigeria, only 48.30 percent of the total number of candidates  were female. Meanwhile, Nigerian girls have shown incredible excellence in potentials. According to UBEC, females had the most basic education promotion and completion rates. Moreso, 50% of the candidates who got five credits, including English and Mathematics in 2019, WASSCE were females.
Economic inequality and discriminatory employment practices are indications that Nigerian women still experience gender discrepancy. Even though women comprise slightly less than 50% of Nigeria’s population, they account for over 70% of those in extreme poverty. A lot of these women do not own bank accounts, making more than half of them financially excluded.
According to the International Labour Organisation,  Nigerian women are still discriminated against in terms of wage parity, inadequate maternity leave, sexual harassment and slow promotion to top managerial positions.
According to Mckinsey Global Institute, Nigeria’s Gross Domestic Product (GDP) could grow by 23% by 2025 if women took part in the economy at the same level with men. Also, an economist in IMF  Africa Department, Monique Newiak stated that if Nigeria reduced  gender inequality both in the labour market, in political representation, education, legal rights and also by improving health outcomes for women, the economy could grow on average by as much as 1.25 percentage points more which would steer it towards development.
Percentage of female lawmakers in the South African, Senegalese and Ethiopian parliament is 46,41 and 38 percent respectively. However, in 2022, Nigeria was 184 out of 187 countries in the Inter-Parliamentary  Union (IPU) global ranking of women in national parliaments, This means that the country’s  ranking is poor in comparism with other countries in Africa.
Meanwhile, Rivers State is the only State in Nigeria where there is a policy for women to run for political offices in the state since 2017, Governor Nyesom Wike insisted that the Vice chairmanship  seat in all the 23 local governments areas of the state be reserved for women, in addition of 150 councillors in local government areas. The administration also made history in the state for the first time when it produced the first female Deputy Governor, Dr Ipalibo Harry Banigo.
It is of note that gender issues suffered by Nigerian women calls for the complete enforcement of human rights laws, development of a comprehensive framework for women’s  protection in the country, domestication  of the Violence Against Persons(prohibition) Act, also development of legislation and framework to guide 35% affirmative action in states across the country.

By: Ibinabo Ogolo

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Women

When Rivers Women Pray

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6 days ago

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January 2, 2026

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Port Harcourt, the Rivers State capital went agog when women from all the local government areas of Rivers State came together for a prayer conference themed: “Women Converge 2025”.
The programme in it’s second series, which held at the Alfred Diette Spiff Civic Centre was put together by the Rivers Women Unite For Sim, a foundation that is nurtured by the women of Rivers State for prayers to God for the peaceful and smooth running of the state.
 Like a delegate conference, the  Civic centre was filled to the brim with women dressed in white attires.  They sang, danced and prayed to God for sustenance of peace in Rivers State while reaffirming their support for Governor Sim Fubara and his wife, Lady Valerie.
Women Converge With the sub-theme, “Women In An Evolving World”, explains the actions and strategies that the women use in fitting and succeeding in the digital and technical era that is very competitive.
During political rallies and campaigns, with their drummers, beautifully dressed, showcase their dancing steps to entertain audience.
In everything one does in the earthly world, prayers is key. Prayer, they say conquers. Women have been conquering many odds with prayers, and God answers whenever they pour out their minds concerning issues.
Of course, due to their nature, women have always been in the forefront of championing prayers, garnering supports for those in authority, taking care of their families as well as coping with their job careers.
Since the inception of the current administration, women have been relentless in ensuring that peace reigns in the Rivers state through prayers so 2025 edition of the Women Converge which is the second edition recorded huge success.
Speaking at the ceremony, the wife of the Rivers State Governor, Lady Valerie Fubara, commended Rivers women whose continuous prayers have impacted on the state and appreciated the support by the women to the Governor, Sir Siminalayi Fubara.
She described Rivers women as wonderful for the support both in prayers and solidarity to her family.
She described Women Converge 2025 as another milestone in an effort to shape the society for good and support for the sustenance of peace and development in Rivers State.
According to her, let me enjoin our women to remain prayerful because God is ever ready to answer our prayers. In all that we do, we must not forget the hand of God and seek him for direction and help.  You have always been steadfast and I urge you not to relent and together we will move our society forward.
Describing the theme, “Women Converge 2025, Women In An Evolving World”, as apt, she said it is a reflection of the very essence of actions and strategies that women adapt in navigating the new world order.
She said that despite the complexities of managing the home front and the constraints of economic realities, women had demonstrated formidable strength and resilience to confront the odds of life.
In her words, “This event underscores the resilience of our women to succeed no matter the odds, especially with absolute faith in God and determination for greater accomplishments”.
“Whether in the industry, business, agriculture, public service or even in politics, they have always shown strong determination to adapt and to accomplish like others”, she maintained.
A guest speaker at the event, the founder and medical director of  Save A Live medical centre, Dr. Okoye, told women to always take wise decisions in things concerning maternal and infant mortality.
The medical expert reiterated that women should not misunderstand the biblical idea of “you will deliver like the Hebrew women”.
He advised women to take  instructions from medical experts concerning pregnancy and child birth as those will go a long way in saving their lives and advised the women not to patronize quacks.
In a goodwill message, the former Commissioner for Environment, Prof. Roseline Konya,  expressed hope that the peace women have been praying for is already yielding positive result.
The President of Port Harcourt Chambers of Commerce, Industry, Mines and Agriculture, PHACCIMA, Dr. Chinyere Nwoga, spoke on the sustenance of peace in Rivers State as that will move the state to greater height.
Also speaking at the
Women Converge, Pastor Ene Secondus, enjoined women to continue to pray for peace and it’s sustenance in Rivers State.
One of the guest speakers, Pastor Eno Jerry Eze, during the intercessory prayers said women are the foundation of the society and explained that development of any society depends on the strength of womanhood.
The wife of the former Deputy Governor of Rivers State, Dr Christie Toby, a daughter of Rivers State, Ann Kio Briggs also graced the occasion.
Apart from the prayer session,  women from different local government areas showcased different kinds of food items in their various canopies and stands.
The Okrikans and in fact the Riverine extraction, in a food exhibition displayed fishes, crayfish, oporo (prawn), periwinkle( isam).
The women from Etche and Omuma decorated their tables with agricultural products like Garri, fufu, vegetables (okashi ala), plantain, bananas etc.
The Ekpeyes and Ogbas were not left out as they displayed their own food crops like fish, garri, fufu and the likes.
Women from Ikwerre and Emohua local government areas came with their food stuffs.
By: Eunice Choko-kayode
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Women

RIVERS NAWOJ AND PHACCIMA PARTNER TO STRENGTHEN MUTUAL GOALS

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1 month ago

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December 5, 2025

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In a significant development, the Nigeria Association of Women Journalists (NAWOJ) Rivers State Council has recently undertaken a courtesy visit to the Port Harcourt Chamber of Commerce, Industries, Mines & Agriculture (PHACCIMA).
The visit took place on  Monday, 1st December, 2025, representing a formal engagement initiative undertaken by NAWOJ to cultivate a fruitful collaboration with PHACCIMA that can greatly benefit both the union and the agency.
During this occasion, the Chairman of NAWOJ, Rivers State Council, Comrade Susan Serekana-Nwikhana, articulated her vision for the partnership, stating that its primary aim is to work collaboratively toward the ambitious goals that both entities are striving to achieve.
She said that the goals are designed not only to enhance the operational capabilities of NAWOJ and PHACCIMA but also to ultimately contribute meaningfully to the sustainable development and economic growth of Rivers State and the broader Niger Delta region.
In her remarks, Serekana-Nwikhana emphasised, “We’re not just partnering,  we’re propelling change. With PHACCIMA’s  focus on promoting women-led businesses through the Women in Commerce Initiative (WACIMA), spearheaded by Dr Patricia Ogbonnaya, we’re actively working to dismantle barriers, unlock untapped potential, and demonstrate that investing in women is fundamentally investing in the future of a nation.”
Dr Chinyere Nwoga, who holds the position of President of the Port Harcourt Chamber of Commerce and Industries (PHACCIMA), acknowledged in her response that the Niger Delta region is endowed with abundant resources and opportunities, yet simultaneously grapples with a variety of challenges.
She emphasised that the challenges necessitate concerted efforts from both the media and the business sectors, working in tandem to address them effectively.
As the first female President of PHACCIMA, Dr Nwoga expressed her optimism for a successful and impactful partnership during her tenure and encouraged female journalists to collaborate actively with PHACCIMA to realise their shared goals.
The discussions during the meeting were centred on amplifying women’s economic empowerment, spurring investments, and repositioning Rivers State to become an attractive and vibrant destination for business endeavours, all while maintaining a strong focus on green innovation and climate resilience.
The gathering culminated in the formation of a groundbreaking partnership between the two organisations, marking the beginning of a collaborative journey full of potential.
Key Initiatives projected in the partnership include,  the upcoming Port Harcourt International Trade Fair (scheduled for 12th – 22nd December, 2025).
According to the partnership agreement, this event is set to serve as a dynamic platform for women entrepreneurs to showcase locally made products denoted as “Made in Rivers.” It will provide participants with invaluable opportunities, including access to complimentary entrepreneurial training and avenues to connect directly with potential investors. Each local government in Rivers State will have the chance to highlight its unique selling points, including the promotion of agro-products, natural resources, and innovative solutions.
Another is the NAWOJ National Summit (planned for early 2026): The event will be themed “Empowering Women, Sustainable Future: Breaking Barriers, Shaping Change,” with a sub-theme focused on “Greening the Future: Empowering Women for Climate Resilience.” The summit will gather an array of leaders, investors, and change makers to collectively shape the economic and environmental future of Rivers State. Specific dates and venue details will be communicated in January 2026.
 An ambitious Economic Impact Goal has been envisaged: The partnership is aspiring to create over 500 economic opportunities tailored for women, thereby boosting local industries, enhancing green jobs, and fostering inclusive growth. This will align with Rivers State’s vision of cultivating a sustainable, eco-friendly economy that diversifies beyond oil dependency as contained in the partnership agreement.
Present at the event were numerous members of both NAWOJ and PHACCIMA, where Hon. Barr. Uchenda Ukgubule, Chairman of NAWOJ’s National Summit Planning Committee, lauded Dr Nwoga’s exemplary leadership, proclaiming, “Her intelligence and visionary approach make collaboration not only possible but a pleasure. To every man: join us! Dr Nwoga has a lot to offer – let’s drive progress together.”
In affirmation, Dr Nwoga stated: “Women are powerful catalysts for change. With the support of NAWOJ, Rivers State, we’ll drive sustainable growth, promote eco-friendly innovations, and transform Rivers State into a magnet for  green investments. This endeavour will serve to protect our environment while empowering local communities.”
Among the highpoints was a heartfelt call to all women entrepreneurs, inviting them to take an active role by registering for the upcoming Trade Fair.
 This initiative encourages them to showcase their talents, innovative products, and services while providing an excellent opportunity for them to grow their businesses and expand their networks.
Additionally, investors from far and wide were urged to consider exploring the untapped potential that Rivers State has to offer, with the promise of collaborating to build a prosperous and vibrant state together, thereby enhancing the local economy and contributing to community resilience.
Moreover, the Media were cordially invited to participate in a post-Trade Fair joint briefing, designed specifically to spotlight inspiring success stories that emerge from the event, thereby amplifying the voices of those who have benefited from this collaborative effort.
The general public was requested to stay updated on these initiatives by visiting the NAWOJ Rivers State Chapter office located at the Ernest Ikoli Press Centre, or simply check for further details through our official communication channels.
For any inquiries or additional information, women and other stakeholders are asked to contact the following individuals, Comrade Susan Serekara-Nwikhana, the Chairman of the NAWOJ Rivers State Chapter, available at 0806 797 1973,  Honorable Barr. Uchenda Ukgubule, the Chairman of the Planning Committee for the NAWOJ National Summit, reachable at 0803 339 5699,  Ambassador Beauty David Nteugot, the Secretary of the Planning Committee for the NAWOJ National Summit, is contactable at 0803 338 7806.
Susan Serekara-Nwikhana
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City Crime

Women And Dangers Of Obnoxious Practices

Published

4 months ago

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September 12, 2025

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It is worrisome to hear that a woman or a girl is bathed with acidic contents just because she refuses to adhere to one instruction or the other from an opposite sex.
Sometimes, you see a woman with bruises on the face, with one eye swollen as if she is an animal perhaps she demanded one or two things from her spouse.
A situation where a widow will be mandated to marry a brother-in-law for her to still belong to the family where she is married and to partake in inheritance should be looked into.
Severally, there have been talks, seminars, workshops, fora, arguments, bills and laws abolishing the issues that concern women, especially violence.  But much has not been achieved to curtail the menace.
Violence against girls and women has been on the increase.  From time to time, it is either girls are denied access to father’s property or a widow is denied inheritance to husband’s properties.  Even when laws are put in place about things that will help women have their rights, some persons feel that culture and tradition do not permit such laws.
We are aware that some women are rich and may not want to partake in the share of their late parents’ property, but there are vulnerable ones who may need to be empowered, through perhaps, late parents’ property inheritance.
Some of the obnoxious laws were made before now without the consent of women. There was no enough representation to either argue for or against so as to be beneficial to women generally.  Some of the laws were so primitive that even when civilisation came, became difficult to change. Very unfortunately, it is the women sometimes who execute the laws made by men in their absence. But women are suffering it.
If government can establish laws abolishing certain practices against women and girls, it will be better for them and should in the presence of women so that they can contribute as well.
For long, laws against female genital mutilation and circumcision have existed but some communities with their culture and tradition have refused to put a stop to it with reasons best known to them.
Circumcision of a full-grown girl or lady may not be the only way of attaining maturity. It is a harmful practice and the pain associated with it cannot be imagined.  The illegal operation is not performed in the hospital so the dangers inherent will be much.
For those who still practise it, the menace should be discouraged as that is not a proper way of ushering a girl into womanhood. A lot of women lose their lives due to pains experienced during the process. If it was practised in the past when civilisation was not there, it is a different case, nowadays with science and technology proving it wrong, those who still practice should resist.
We know that government is doing a lot to save women and girls from some of the pains they go through but right steps should be taken in the right direction  and all stakeholders intensify efforts in dealing with persons who perpetuate evil against their fellow women.
One issue that comes to mind is implementation even if policies and laws are out in place by relevant agencies.  The issues have been dwelt on for decades, but it is still practised as big ceremonies in some communities.
When it comes to inheritance, a girl born into a family, married or unmarried will be denied access to father’s property.
When parents are sick, the female child will pick him or her for care and offset medical bills.  If it has to do with the demise of parents, the woman and the husband will be mandated to provide a cow and perform other burial rites.
If the National Assembly makes laws concerning the well-being of women, community heads, molecular leaders, women groups and associations, religious organisations, Non-Governmental organizations (NGOs) and Civil Society Organisations (CSOs) should create more awareness through the media to sensitise rural dwellers.
In this digital era, it should be forbidden that a woman loses her spouse and she is mandated to drink water used on the late husband.
A legal practitioner,  Tam Jacobs, said if one forcefully shaves a woman’s hair with the intention that she is mourning her late spouse, she can sue that person for assault.
He said if the woman is forced to drink water used on her late husband’s body, she can also sue for attempted murder.
According to him, several cases of girl-child inheritance have been won and documented in the law court but some cannot claim it.
“Even a widow who is handicapped may not be able to make attempts so NGOs, CSOs should be in the forefront to support them and ensure that the laws are implemented at the grassroots level where they are practised”, he said.
A pharmacist, Eno Amos said any culture that does not add colour and value to life, especially as it concerns women should be abolished.
She added that implementation can be easy in the cities where awareness has been created but expressed fear that it may not be easy in the rural areas where culture is really practised.
A business woman, Agnes Ugwu, said tradition and culture were made by man and not God and wondered why people who claim to be educated still follow the tradition of ancestors who never went to school.
Ignorance also comes to play here.  If you have watched a documentary showing female genital mutilation and the gory experience the young women go through is something else.  Some of the perpetrators claim that the practice has existed for ages. Women have to learn more about issues that concern them.
A nurse, Rosy Ekeocha, said it is not about culture but about the behavior of a group of people in the community who force it on others.
According to her, let people change their behaviour and leave culture alone.  It does not happen in every family and if any family allows it that is its business.
She said we are in the 21st century, certain cultures and tradition need to be reviewed to ensure that they align with today’s reality.
Culture is dynamic she said, but that implementation of laws relating to the vulnerable in the society calls for concern.
We should not behave the way people behaved twenty decades ago, after all, we do not dress the way our forefathers dressed.  Time has evolved and things are getting better as it concerns women. We are getting more exposed and more enlightened about issues that concern us.  Information is moving round as the world is a global village.
Talking about culture nowadays, we wear shoes whereas our forefathers never had any.  They walked barefooted
far distances to get family necessities but things are better now as we are mobile.
That should also happen to culture and tradition.  There are certain aspects of our culture and tradition which are practised today that have expired long ago. We should get rid off them.
Sometime, the bill for prohibition of obnoxious practices against women at the National Assembly was a welcome development, how far have the powers that be gone to ensure that it favours women.
It is expected that the bills abolishing obnoxious practices against women and girls in the society should have started achieving results as it concerns their wellbeing.
Eunice Choko-Kayode
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