HARMFUL CULTURAL PRACTICES AND WOMEN’S RIGHTS IN NIGERIA

Abstract

Women’s rights to life, freedom of expression and association, right to free movement, right to education, right to adequate health and right to dignity are frequently violated. These violations have far reaching effects on the physical, psychological and emotional well being of women and inadvertently affect their contribution to the development of the Nigerian Society. This paper took a look at some of the cultural practices that are harmful and how they impact on the rights of women in Nigeria. The Research methodology is doctrinal. The paper found that most of the human rights abuses suffered by women are rooted in these harmful cultural practices. It was also found that the patriarchal nature of the Nigerian society is at the root of these cultural practices. The work revealed the difficulty in stopping some of these cultural practices. As part of the recommendations, this paper calls for an end to these cultural practices by engaging all stakeholders especially the head of traditional institutions and all those who are involved in these practices. This could be achieved by public enlightenment and awareness, legislative intervention, and re-orientation of law enforcement agents. Specific recommendations for women education and empowerment were made as a panacea to challenging harmful cultural and religious practices including child marriage.