CLOSING THE GENDER GAP IN THE WORK PLACE: A PANACEA TO SOCIETAL DEVELOPMENT

Abstract

Gender equality is a necessitating component towards attaining overall institutional and social development, which in turn brings sustainable development and advancement in any forward looking economy. The problem of gender inequality is more prominent in developing countries and despite government resolution to address this menace, it still persist due to societal limitations, persisting cultural stereotype, religion, patriarchal social structures and barbaric traditional norms which allow men to dominate almost all circular, political and economic facet of life. Inequalities have over time manifested in all facets of development with multiplier effects on economic advancement .This article analysed the challenges and issues of gender discrimination in the workplace in Nigeria in line with international best practices, its effect on the output/performances of women in the society .It brings to the fore the effect of customs and religion alongside general principles as an overreaching framework, the specific obligation of states to eliminate discrimination against women as the abuse on women’s right is persistently on the increase. It recommends that anti-discrimination and gender equality bill should be on the front burner of government policies and discourse. Incorporating the right based approach as an antidote to repugnant cultural norms which constraints the realization of women’s right generally.