Nigeria ranks among the bottom ten countries for political Empowerment in the World Economic Forum’s Global Gender Gap Report, occupying the 136th position out of 146 nations. This ranking highlights the depth of gender inequality in the country. A controversial proposal to repeal the Violence Against Persons Prohibition (VAPP) Act could deepen this crisis. The VAPP Act, Nigeria’s most comprehensive gender-based violence (GBV) legislation, addresses issues such as domestic violence, rape, and female genital mutilation. Removing these protections risks worsening gender disparities and undermining gains in women’s rights. Achieving gender parity requires reforming discriminatory laws, tackling cultural norms, and enforcing existing equity-focused policies.
The underrepresentation of women in Nigerian political spaces remains a significant barrier to gender equality. Less than 5 per cent of Nigeria’s 10th National Assembly comprises women, limiting their influence on laws that affect their lives. This exclusion perpetuates systemic challenges, leaving critical issues like domestic violence, economic empowerment, and reproductive health inadequately addressed. Increasing women’s participation in decision-making processes is essential for inclusive governance. By encouraging leadership training, networking, and mentorship for women, the gender quota bill, proposing special legislative seats for women, can advance genuine representation. Ensuring this bill prioritises competence over mere numbers will enhance its credibility and impact.
Corruption and weak enforcement reduce laws to symbolic gestures.
Although Nigeria’s legal framework includes progressive policies such as the VAPP Act and the National Gender Policy, enforcement remains weak. Corruption, insufficient political will, and underfunded institutions often reduce these laws to symbolic gestures. Bridging the gap between policy and implementation demands robust accountability mechanisms, resource allocation, and improved institutional capacity. Collaboration between Civil Society organisations (CSOs) and government agencies to monitor compliance and reform gender-focused laws is vital. Additionally, ensuring survivors of GBV have access to justice through transparent processes will reaffirm Nigeria’s commitment to gender equity.
Moreover, the proposed repeal of the VAPP Act highlights the urgent need to address gender inequality in Nigeria. Such a move would risk undermining vital protections for women and further entrenching systemic barriers. To create lasting change, reforms must prioritise the enforcement of existing laws, cultural transformation, and stronger institutional accountability. Empowering women to take leadership roles and dismantling the barriers that hinder their progress are crucial steps towards a more inclusive society. By focusing on sustained action, Nigeria can turn gender parity from an aspiration into a tangible reality, benefiting all its citizens.
Empowering women at the grassroots drives inclusive progress.
Furthermore, expanding women’s representation at the grassroots level is equally crucial in tackling Nigeria’s gender inequality. Local governments have significant influence over policies that shape everyday lives, from Education to healthcare and community development. Empowering women to participate in local governance can help close the gender gap by driving inclusive decision-making processes at the community level. Grassroots participation not only provides women with a platform to address gendered issues firsthand but also creates a foundation for building their political confidence and leadership skills. Such initiatives can shift cultural perceptions about women’s roles and inspire broader advocacy for Gender Equality across the nation.
Education reform is another pivotal step in combating gender inequality. Gender-sensitive curricula should be introduced at all levels to challenge harmful stereotypes and promote equity from an early age. Schools must foster inclusive environments where boys and girls learn the importance of mutual respect and collaboration. Partnerships between educational institutions, advocacy groups, and local communities can amplify the impact of these efforts. When education actively challenges cultural norms that perpetuate inequality, it helps to cultivate a future generation that values balanced representation and upholds the principles of gender equity.
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Altogether, achieving Gender Equality in Nigeria is not merely a societal ideal but an urgent necessity for progress. By empowering women at both local and national levels, transforming societal norms through education, and implementing policies with integrity, Nigeria can break free from its entrenched disparities. The journey requires sustained effort and collaboration across all sectors, but the rewards, an inclusive society that values the rights and contributions of all citizens, are well worth the challenge. Only through such collective action can Nigeria realise its potential as a truly equitable nation.