Nigeria’s National Gender Policy

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The National Gender Policy of Nigeria is a comprehensive framework that aims to address issues of gender inequality and promote gender equity and social justice in the country. It outlines strategies and measures to eliminate gender-based discrimination, ensure equal opportunities, and empower all genders to participate fully in all aspects of society.

The rationale behind the National Gender Policy:

  1. **Addressing Inequality: ** One of the primary reasons for the policy is to address deep-rooted gender inequalities that exist in various spheres of Nigerian society, including education, employment, health care, and political representation.
  2. **Human Rights and Justice: ** The policy is rooted in the principles of human rights and social justice, acknowledging that all individuals, regardless of gender, should enjoy equal rights, opportunities, and access to resources.
  3. **Economic Development: ** Gender equality is linked to economic development. By addressing gender disparities in education, employment, and entrepreneurship, the policy aims to harness the full potential of the population to contribute to the nation’s economic growth.
  4. **Social Stability: ** Promoting gender equality contributes to social stability by reducing conflict and tension arising from unequal distribution of resources and opportunities.
  5. **International Commitments: ** Nigeria is a signatory to various international conventions and agreements that emphasize gender equality. The policy aligns the country’s efforts with these global commitments.

Guiding Principles of the National Gender Policy:

  1. **Equality and Non-Discrimination: ** The policy emphasizes the principle of treating all individuals equally and without discrimination based on gender, ensuring that everyone has the same rights and opportunities.
  2. **Empowerment: ** The policy focuses on empowering individuals, particularly women and marginalized genders, by enhancing their access to resources, education, health services, and economic opportunities.
  3. **Participation and Representation: ** The policy aims to increase the participation and representation of all genders in decision-making processes, political institutions, and leadership roles.
  4. **Social Justice: ** Social justice is a key principle, promoting fairness, inclusivity, and the elimination of structural barriers that perpetuate gender-based discrimination.
  5. **Accountability and Monitoring: ** The policy establishes mechanisms for accountability, ensuring that government agencies and institutions are held responsible for implementing and monitoring gender equality measures.

Purpose of the National Gender Policy:

  1. **Gender Mainstreaming: ** The policy seeks to integrate gender perspectives and considerations into all sectors and levels of government, promoting a more balanced and equitable approach to policy and program development.
  2. **Empowerment of Women: ** A major purpose is to empower women and marginalized genders by enhancing their access to education, health care, economic opportunities, and decision-making spaces.
  3. **Reduction of Gender-Based Violence: ** The policy aims to reduce gender-based violence by addressing the root causes of such violence and providing support to survivors.
  4. **Legal and Institutional Reforms: ** The policy envisions reforms in laws, regulations, and institutions to remove discriminatory practices and promote gender equality.
  5. **Sustainable Development: ** By addressing gender disparities, the policy contributes to sustainable development by ensuring that all members of society can contribute meaningfully to economic, social, and political progress.
  6. **International Commitments: ** The policy serves to fulfil Nigeria’s commitments to international agreements that emphasize gender equality and women’s empowerment.

In conclusion, Nigeria’s National Gender Policy is a crucial framework designed to tackle gender inequality by addressing its underlying causes, promoting equitable opportunities, and empowering all genders to participate fully in the nation’s development. The policy is guided by principles of equality, empowerment, participation, and social justice, with the ultimate purpose of creating a more inclusive and just society for all.

Women and Poverty:

Women in many societies, including Nigeria, are disproportionately affected by poverty due to factors such as limited access to education, unequal employment opportunities, gender wage gaps, and the burden of unpaid care work. Traditional norms, lack of property ownership rights, and gender-based violence also contribute.

Efforts to address this issue include gender-sensitive policies, microfinance initiatives, vocational training, legal reforms, and awareness campaigns. Empowering women economically is crucial for breaking the cycle of poverty and achieving gender equality.

Women and Poverty in Nigerian Society:

  1. Disproportionate Impact* Women in Nigeria are disproportionately affected by poverty. They often face limited access to education, employment opportunities, and economic resources, which exacerbates their vulnerability to poverty.
  2. Education and Employment Disparities: A significant portion of women in Nigeria lack access to quality education and vocational training. This limits their opportunities for skilled employment and higher earning potential, pushing them into low-paying jobs or the informal sector.
  3. Gender Wage Gap: Women in Nigeria typically earn less than their male counterparts for similar work. This wage gap contributes to their economic insecurity and perpetuates the cycle of poverty.
  4. Unpaid Care Work: Women often bear the burden of unpaid care work, such as childcare, eldercare, and household chores. This limits their ability to participate in income-generating activities, further contributing to their economic dependency.
  5. Limited Land and Property Ownership: Traditional norms and practices often deny women the right to own or inherit land and property. This lack of ownership limits their economic security and access to collateral for loans.
  6. Maternal Health and Reproductive Rights: ** Inadequate access to reproductive health services and family planning can result in higher maternal mortality rates. Health-related expenses can push women and their families into poverty.
  7. Gender-Based Violence: Gender-based violence, including domestic violence and early marriage, affects many women in Nigeria. Such violence can force women into economic dependence and restrict their ability to make choices about their lives.

**8. Widows’ Rights: Widows in Nigeria often face discrimination and exclusion from inheritance and property rights, making them vulnerable to poverty upon the death of a spouse.

**9. Displacement and Conflict: ** Women and girls are disproportionately affected by conflicts and displacement, which can lead to loss of livelihoods and economic instability.

**10. Policy and Institutional Gaps: ** While Nigeria has taken steps to address gender inequality and poverty through policies and programs, there are gaps in implementation and enforcement. Additionally, cultural norms and traditional practices can hinder the effectiveness of these measures.

**Efforts to Address Women and Poverty: **

  1. Gender-Sensitive Policies: Nigeria has policies that focus on women’s economic empowerment, access to education, and participation in decision-making processes.
  2. Microfinance Initiatives: Microfinance institutions provide small loans and financial services to women, enabling them to start or expand businesses.
  3. **Vocational Training: ** Programs offering vocational training and skill development aim to equip women with marketable skills for better job opportunities.
  4. **Women’s Cooperatives: ** These enable women to pool resources, access credit, and engage in income-generating activities collectively.
  5. **Legal Reforms: ** Efforts to reform inheritance laws and property rights aim to protect women’s economic interests, particularly in cases of widowhood.
  6. **Healthcare Access: ** Improving access to quality healthcare, especially maternal and reproductive health services, can reduce health-related financial burdens on women.
  7. **Education Initiatives: ** Promoting girls’ education and addressing barriers to schooling can empower them to break the cycle of poverty.
  8. **Awareness Campaigns: ** Public awareness campaigns are essential to challenge harmful gender norms and practices that perpetuate women’s economic disadvantages.
  9. **Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs): ** Nigeria’s commitment to achieving the SDGs, including Goal 1 (No Poverty) and Goal 5 (Gender Equality), aligns with efforts to address women’s economic challenges.

While progress is being made, addressing the intersection of women and poverty in Nigerian society requires a comprehensive approach that involves not only policy changes but also shifts in societal norms and attitudes. Empowering women economically is not only a matter of human rights but also a crucial step towards achieving sustainable development and social equity.

Women in agriculture

In contemporary Nigerian society, women in agriculture face a range of challenges and issues that are specific to their context. While agriculture is a significant sector in Nigeria’s economy, contributing to food security and employment, gender disparities persist within the sector. Here are some key problems that women in agriculture face in Nigeria:

  1. **Limited Access to Resources**: Women often have less access to land, credit, seeds, and modern agricultural technologies compared to men. This hampers their productivity and ability to adopt efficient farming practices.
  2. **Gender Norms and Cultural Practices**: Traditional gender roles and cultural norms often dictate that women should focus on household duties rather than engaging in agricultural activities. This limits their participation and influence within the sector.
  3. **Education and Training**: Limited access to education and training opportunities for women in rural areas affects their ability to acquire the skills and knowledge needed to improve agricultural practices and adapt to changing conditions.
  4. **Unpaid Labor**: Women’s contributions to agriculture are often undervalued and unrecognized, especially when their labour is unpaid or underpaid. Their work in planting, weeding, harvesting, and processing crops often goes unnoticed.
  5. **Post-Harvest Losses and Processing**: Women are primarily responsible for post-harvest activities, such as processing and storing crops. Inadequate infrastructure, lack of access to technology, and poor storage facilities contribute to significant post-harvest losses.
  6. **Access to Markets**: Limited access to markets and market information makes it challenging for women to sell their produce at fair prices, cutting into their potential income and economic empowerment.
  7. **Health and Safety**: Women’s physical health can be compromised due to the labour-intensive nature of agricultural work. Additionally, they may lack access to proper protective gear and healthcare services.
  8. **Climate Change and Environmental Issues**: Climate change impacts such as erratic weather patterns and soil degradation disproportionately affect women farmers, as they often lack the resources to adapt to these challenges.
  9. **Lack of Representation**: Women are underrepresented in decision-making bodies related to agriculture, both at the community and policy levels, which means their perspectives and needs may not be adequately considered.
  10. **Security Concerns**: In some regions of Nigeria, insecurity and conflict can disrupt agricultural activities, disproportionately affecting women who may face safety risks while working in the fields.

Efforts are being made to address these issues. Organizations, NGOs, and government initiatives are working to promote gender equality in agriculture through programs that provide women with training, access to resources, and support in navigating market challenges. Advocacy for policy changes that empower women in agriculture is also ongoing.

In conclusion, contemporary women’s problems in Nigerian agriculture are deeply rooted in gender inequalities, cultural norms, and limited access to resources. Addressing these challenges requires a comprehensive approach that involves promoting gender-sensitive policies, improving access to education and training, providing women with the necessary resources, and challenging traditional gender roles.

Gender-based violence

Gender-based violence (GBV) is a critical issue in contemporary Nigerian society that affects women and girls across various age groups, socioeconomic backgrounds, and geographical locations. GBV refers to harmful actions that are directed at an individual based on their gender, often resulting in physical, sexual, psychological, or economic harm. In Nigeria, GBV is deeply intertwined with cultural norms, socioeconomic disparities, and power dynamics, which exacerbate its prevalence and impact. Here’s an explanation of gender-based violence in the context of contemporary Nigeria:

  1. Forms of Gender-Based Violence: Gender-based violence in Nigeria encompasses various forms, including domestic violence, sexual harassment, rape, child marriage, female genital mutilation/cutting (FGM/C), human trafficking, and more. These forms of violence often occur within families, communities, workplaces, and educational institutions.
  2. Cultural Norms and Patriarchy: Traditional gender norms and patriarchal attitudes contribute to the perpetuation of GBV. These norms can normalize and justify violence against women, leading to a cycle of abuse that is difficult to break.
  3. Laws and Legal Framework: Nigeria has made efforts to address GBV through legislation, such as the Violence Against Persons Prohibition (VAPP) Act and the Child Rights Act. However, implementation and enforcement of these laws remain inconsistent, and some harmful practices are deeply ingrained in certain communities.
  4. Limited Reporting and Underreporting: Many cases of GBV go unreported due to fear of stigma, retaliation, or lack of trust in the justice system. Underreporting makes it challenging to fully understand the scope of the problem and provide appropriate support to survivors.
  5. Access to Services: Accessibility to support services, such as shelters, counselling, and legal aid, is limited in Nigeria. This lack of infrastructure leaves survivors with few options for seeking help and protection.
  6. Digital Gender-Based Violence: With the rise of technology, online harassment and cyberbullying have become new forms of GBV. Women and girls may face online threats, cyberstalking, and the non-consensual sharing of explicit content.
  7. Conflict and Insecurity: In conflict-affected areas of Nigeria, GBV often escalates. Women and girls may become targets of sexual violence, trafficking, and forced marriages during periods of instability.
  8. Economic Impact: GBV can have severe economic consequences for survivors. Women who experience violence may miss out on education, employment opportunities, and economic empowerment.
  9. Youth and Adolescents: Adolescents and young girls are particularly vulnerable to GBV, including child marriage and sexual exploitation. Lack of comprehensive sexuality education and awareness contribute to their vulnerability.
  10. Activism and Awareness: Civil society organizations and activists in Nigeria are working tirelessly to raise awareness about GBV, advocate for policy changes, and provide support to survivors. The #MeToo movement has also gained momentum in Nigeria, encouraging women to speak out against harassment and abuse.

Efforts to address GBV in Nigeria require a multi-faceted approach. This includes comprehensive sex education, community sensitization, legal reforms, strengthened law enforcement, accessible support services, and economic empowerment programs for women. Breaking the cycle of GBV necessitates challenging deep-rooted cultural norms and promoting gender equality at all levels of society.

Economic inequalities

Economic inequality is a significant and persistent problem in contemporary Nigerian society, particularly when it comes to gender disparities. Despite Nigeria’s status as one of Africa’s largest economies, a substantial portion of the population, especially women, continues to experience unequal access to economic opportunities, resources, and benefits. Here’s an explanation of economic inequality in the context of contemporary Nigeria:

  1. **Gender Wage Gap**: Women in Nigeria often earn less than their male counterparts for similar work. This gender wage gap is influenced by factors such as occupational segregation, where women are concentrated in lower-paying sectors and discrimination in hiring and promotions.
  2. **Informal Economy**: A substantial portion of Nigeria’s economy is informal, and women are disproportionately represented in informal and low-wage sectors such as agriculture, domestic work, and street vending. These sectors often lack proper labour protections and benefits.
  3. **Unemployment and Underemployment**: Women face higher rates of unemployment and underemployment compared to men. Limited access to quality education, discriminatory hiring practices, and societal expectations around women’s roles can contribute to this disparity.
  4. **Lack of Property Rights**: Women’s access to property and land ownership is limited due to customary practices and legal barriers. This affects their ability to generate income and build wealth.
  5. **Entrepreneurship Barriers**: While women are active entrepreneurs in Nigeria, they often face challenges accessing financing, business networks, and markets. Limited access to credit and business training hinders their business growth and success.
  6. **Financial Inclusion**: Women have lower rates of financial inclusion, meaning they have limited access to formal financial services such as bank accounts, credit, and insurance. This affects their ability to save, invest, and access credit for economic activities.
  7. **Unpaid Care Work**: Women in Nigeria typically carry the burden of unpaid care work, including childcare, elderly care, and household chores. This limits their ability to engage in income-generating activities or pursue education and career advancement.
  8. **Lack of Representation in Leadership Roles**: Women are underrepresented in leadership positions in both the public and private sectors. This lack of representation affects decision-making processes and policies that could address economic inequalities.
  9. **Educational Disparities**: Gender disparities in education persist, with fewer girls accessing quality education, especially in rural areas. This limits their opportunities for skill development and higher-paying jobs.
  10. **Violence and Discrimination**: Gender-based violence and discrimination further contribute to economic inequality. Women who experience violence may have restricted access to education and employment opportunities.

Efforts to address economic inequality in Nigeria require comprehensive strategies that focus on gender-responsive policies and interventions:

  • Legal Reforms: Enforcing laws that promote gender equality, property rights, and workplace protections can contribute to reducing economic disparities.

  • Education: Increasing girls’ access to quality education and vocational training can help them acquire skills needed for higher-paying jobs.

  • Financial Inclusion: Promoting financial literacy and expanding access to formal financial services for women can enhance their economic independence.

  • Entrepreneurship Support: Providing targeted support for women entrepreneurs, including access to credit, training, and markets, can empower them to succeed in business.

  • Social Safety Nets: Implementing social safety net programs can provide economic support to vulnerable women and families.

  • Changing Social Norms: Challenging traditional gender roles and norms through awareness campaigns and education can shift societal attitudes towards women’s economic roles.

Addressing economic inequality in Nigeria requires a holistic approach that tackles both systemic barriers and cultural norms to ensure that women have equal access to economic opportunities and can actively contribute to the country’s economic growth and development.

Political Exclusion:

Political exclusion refers to the systematic marginalization and underrepresentation of certain groups, often based on factors such as gender, ethnicity, or socioeconomic status. In Nigeria, women have historically faced significant political exclusion, resulting in limited participation and influence in political processes and decision-making. This exclusion is influenced by several factors:

  1. **Cultural Norms**: Traditional gender roles and expectations can limit women’s involvement in politics. Women may be discouraged from participating due to cultural beliefs that prioritize their roles as caregivers and homemakers.
  2. **Lack of Representation**: Women are significantly underrepresented in political offices at all levels in Nigeria. This lack of representation reduces their ability to advocate for policies that address their specific needs and concerns.
  3. **Barriers to Entry**: Women often face barriers such as limited access to education, financial resources, and networks, which can hinder their ability to enter politics and compete on an equal footing.
  4. **Party Structures**: Political parties may have internal dynamics that discourage women’s participation. Lack of support and resources for women candidates within parties can limit their chances of success.
  5. **Violence and Intimidation**: Women in Nigerian politics may face threats, violence, and intimidation, making it difficult for them to campaign or hold office safely.

Efforts to address political exclusion involve promoting gender-sensitive policies, affirmative action measures, and encouraging women’s active participation in political processes.

Discriminatory Employment Practices:

Discriminatory employment practices refer to unequal treatment based on gender, ethnicity, or other characteristics in the workplace. In Nigeria, discriminatory employment practices disproportionately affect women, limiting their opportunities for career advancement and economic empowerment:

  1. **Gender Wage Gap**: Women in Nigeria often earn less than men for the same work or work of equal value. This gender wage gap is perpetuated by factors such as occupational segregation, stereotyping, and negotiation barriers.
  2. **Glass Ceiling**: Women often face barriers to advancement into higher positions in the workplace. A “glass ceiling” exists where women find it difficult to break into leadership roles due to biases and discriminatory practices.
  3. **Maternity Discrimination**: Pregnancy discrimination and lack of adequate maternity leave policies can lead to women’s exclusion from job opportunities and career advancement.
  4. **Harassment and Hostile Work Environment**: Sexual harassment and hostile work environments can create barriers for women to excel in their careers and may lead to their forced exit from certain fields.
  5. **Informal Sector Challenges**: In sectors with a significant informal economy, women may be subject to exploitative and unfair working conditions, without access to legal protections and benefits.

Efforts to address discriminatory employment practices require legal protections, workplace policies that promote diversity and inclusion, awareness campaigns, and support for women’s career development.

In both political exclusion and discriminatory employment practices, addressing the root causes requires changing societal attitudes, challenging stereotypes, implementing and enforcing relevant laws and policies, and creating opportunities that ensure equal participation, representation, and rights for all genders.

Convention on the Elimination of All Forms of Discrimination Against Women (CEDAW):

CEDAW is an international human rights treaty adopted by the United Nations General Assembly in 1979. It aims to eliminate discrimination against women in all spheres of life and ensure their full participation and equality in political, economic, social, cultural, and civil matters. The convention is often described as an international bill of rights for women.

Key Provisions:

CEDAW addresses various forms of discrimination against women and promotes gender equality. It covers a wide range of issues, including:

Legal Status: The convention requires states to incorporate the principles of gender equality into their legal systems and take measures to abolish discriminatory laws.

Political Participation: CEDAW emphasizes women’s right to participate in political and public life and to hold public office. States are encouraged to take measures to increase women’s representation in decision-making positions.

Education and Employment: The convention advocates for equal access to education and employment opportunities for women. It aims to eliminate stereotypes that limit women’s career choices.

Health: CEDAW addresses women’s healthcare needs and promotes access to family planning and reproductive health services.

Violence Against Women: The convention recognizes violence against women as a form of discrimination and requires states to take measures to prevent and address such violence.

Marriage and Family Life: CEDAW calls for gender equality within marriage and family relationships and condemns practices harmful to women, such as child marriage.

Successes of CEDAW:

Awareness and Advocacy: CEDAW has raised global awareness about gender discrimination and women’s rights. It has been a catalyst for advocacy efforts by women’s rights organizations and activists worldwide.

Legal Reforms: Many countries have enacted laws and policies to align with CEDAW’s principles, such as legalizing gender equality, criminalizing violence against women, and promoting women’s political participation.

Increased Women’s Participation: CEDAW has contributed to an increase in women’s participation in political and public life in various countries, leading to more diverse and inclusive decision-making processes.

Normative Framework: The convention has established a strong normative framework for addressing gender discrimination, serving as a reference point for legal decisions and policy development.

Challenges and Failures:

Implementation Gap: Despite progress, many countries struggle to fully implement CEDAW’s provisions due to cultural, social, and political barriers. Legal reforms might not effectively translate into tangible changes in women’s lives.

Reservations and Interpretations: Some countries have ratified CEDAW with reservations or restrictive interpretations, limiting its effectiveness in those regions.

Traditional Norms: Deep-seated traditional norms and patriarchal attitudes continue to hinder the advancement of women’s rights and gender equality in various societies.

Lack of Enforcement Mechanisms: CEDAW lacks a strong enforcement mechanism, relying primarily on reporting and peer review processes, which can lead to uneven compliance.

Violence and Discrimination Persist: Violence against women, gender-based discrimination, and other challenges persist globally, showcasing the ongoing need for stronger measures and efforts.

In conclusion, CEDAW is a crucial international instrument that has contributed to advancing women’s rights and gender equality. While it has achieved success in raising awareness, influencing legal reforms, and promoting women’s participation, it also faces challenges related to implementation, cultural norms, and enforcement. The convention’s impact is an ongoing effort that requires continued advocacy, cooperation, and commitment from governments, civil society, and international organizations.

Africa charter

The African Charter on Human and Peoples’ Rights, often referred to as the African Charter, is a significant regional human rights instrument specifically tailored to the African continent. It was adopted by the Organization of African Unity (now the African Union) in 1981 and entered into force in 1986. The charter seeks to promote and protect human rights and fundamental freedoms in Africa.

**Key Provisions:**

The African Charter covers a broad range of civil, political, economic, social, and cultural rights, as well as collective rights often referred to as “peoples’ rights.” Some of its key provisions include:

  1. **Civil and Political Rights:** The charter protects rights such as the right to life, equality before the law, freedom of expression, and the prohibition of torture, cruel, inhuman, and degrading treatment.
  2. **Economic, Social, and Cultural Rights:** The charter recognizes the right to work, education, health, and the right to participate in cultural and artistic life.
  3. **Peoples’ Rights:** The African Charter includes the concept of “peoples’ rights,” which highlights the importance of group rights, self-determination, and development for African societies.
  4. **Non-Discrimination: ** The charter prohibits discrimination based on race, ethnic group, colour, sex, language, religion, political or another opinion, national or social origin, fortune, birth, or other status.
  5. **Protection of Human Rights: ** The charter establishes the African Commission on Human and Peoples’ Rights, a body responsible for promoting and protecting human rights in Africa. It also allows individuals and non-governmental organizations to submit complaints to the commission.

**Successes of the African Charter:**

  1. **Promotion of Human Rights:** The African Charter has been instrumental in raising awareness about human rights issues in Africa and encouraging governments to adopt policies and laws that align with human rights principles.
  2. **Legal Framework:** The charter has provided a legal framework for African countries to address human rights violations and to hold governments accountable for their commitments.
  3. **African Commission on Human and Peoples’ Rights: ** The establishment of the African Commission has facilitated a forum for dialogue, monitoring, and recommendations related to human rights issues in Africa.
  4. **Influence on National Legislation: ** The charter has influenced the development of national constitutions, laws, and policies in African countries, promoting the integration of human rights standards.

**Challenges and Limitations: **

  1. **Implementation Gap: ** Similar to many international and regional human rights instruments, the African Charter faces challenges in effective implementation and enforcement. Inadequate resources, capacity, and political will often hinder its practical impact.
  2. **Cultural Context: ** Balancing universal human rights principles with cultural and contextual factors unique to African societies can be complex. This balance is essential to ensure that the charter’s provisions are relevant and respected.
  3. **Political Instability: ** In regions with political instability and conflict, the protection of human rights can be compromised, making it difficult to fully implement the charter’s provisions.
  4. **Lack of Awareness: ** Limited awareness of the charter’s provisions among the general public and even government officials can hinder its full realization.
  5. **Enforcement Mechanisms: ** While the African Commission on Human and Peoples’ Rights plays a crucial role, its recommendations are not always binding, and there is a need for stronger enforcement mechanisms.

In summary, the African Charter on Human and Peoples’ Rights is a significant regional instrument that has played a role in promoting and protecting human rights in Africa. While it has achieved successes in raising awareness, influencing national legislation, and establishing a regional human rights mechanism, it also faces challenges related to implementation, cultural considerations, and enforcement. The continued effort to address these challenges will be essential in realizing the full potential of the charter’s impact on human rights across the African continent.

 

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Naijassador

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