TOWARDS ACHIEVING A GLOBALLY ACCEPTABLE GENDER EQUALITY IN NIGERIA: THE JOURNEY SO FAR

Abstract

There is a palpable dichotomy entrenched in the Nigerian society based on gender superiority or primacy and inferiority or sub-ordinancy. It is demonstrated by male dominance, garnished by cultural patriarchy, where men are more likely than women to hold positions of social, economic and political power. Vast majority of cultures in Nigeria are patriarchies that structure gender inequality. In recent times, there has been a steady increase in the clamor for gender equality, which is predicated on the premise that all human beings are created equal. The recent rejection of about five (5) gender equality bills that sought to alter the constitution of the National Assembly of 1st March, 2022 has once again brought to the force the need to constantly challenge the systemic ills and oppression the patriarchal society imposes on women as well as the urgent need to revamp and purge our democratic system of recondite bias. Using a doctrinal research methodology, this paper analyzed legal, political, social and economic perspective of gender equality, and the need for a paradigm shift. The paper found out that patriarchal institution is giving prominence in the scheme of things, most of the laws or traditions are gender discriminatory, hence there is no gender equality and freedom; that gender is a social construct that can be dismantled to promote gender equality. The paper therefore recommends a positive shift in attitudes, legally and socially to promote gender equality that remains the boom of emancipation, economic game changer and development in every civilized society.