PHILOSOPHY AND GENDER EQUALITY IN NIGERIA: ISSUES, IMPACTS AND PROSPECTS

Abstract

Philosophy offers a rational and critical outlook on the life and activities of the people within given contexts as it tries to solve existential issues of the moment. The role of philosophy in gender issues is a sacred one which is adapted from the general role of philosophy in human life and existence. It has been well established that women suffer from men’s chauvinism and are being subjugated, derogated, abused, etc. due to patriarchal dominance and gender roles in many cultures including Nigeria. This paper analytically investigates myriads of habits, assumptions, personal, social, economic and political practices that sustain gender inequality and injustice against women and proffers practical ways forward. It further examines the meaning and significance of gender equality through clarifications of its concepts, goals, values and impacts. The paper discovers that women desperately continue to seek for equal treatment with their male counterpart though subtler now than in the past years because the major fight has been done and major battle won which brought about new and positive developments in their lives and that of the society in general. The paper concludes that gender equality is not to be understood as gender sameness which is mere theory and utopic. It therefore recommends gender fairness and common ground of practice through enlightenment and empowerment.