UNIVERSITY OF IBADAN

FACULTY OF THE SOCIAL SCIENCES

DEPARTMENT OF SOCIOLOGY

Presentation
On
SDGs 17: GENDER EQUALITY

NAMES MATRIC CONTRIBUTIONS

NUMBER

ADEBUSOLADORCAS FATOYINBO 232796 INTRODUCTION & CONCLUSIONS

ADEMOLA ISREAL AKINYEMI 232922 HISTORICAL PERSPECTIVE AND

GENDER ROLES IN NIGERIA

OLUSOLA RICHARD BABARINSA 233946 GENDER EQUALITY POLICY IN

NIGERIA

COURSE TITLE: SOCIAL PLANNING AND ADMINISTRATION

COURSE CODE: SOC 746

LECTURERS: PROF. OKAFOR

PROF. OMOLOLU
PROF. SALAMI
DR. ADEMUSON

DATE: MAY, 2023

INTRODUCTION

Gender equality is regarded as having equal opportunities, rights as well as action towards
individuals without considering of their gender. It is evidently the idea that all genders should
have the same access to all available resources, employment, healthcare, education including
involvement in decision-making processes (United Nations, 2015) In a nutshell; it emphasizes
that so much value should be placed on non-discrimination fairness and based on gender. In the
past, inequality in gender has been rampant in various societies, most especially with women
habitually experiencing regular disadvantages and discrimination compared to men.
Nevertheless, the quest of gender equality has gained considerable drive over the years, which
has been driven by various factors including economic, political, and social, factors.

The notion of gender equality recognizes that gender is socially constructed which should not in
any way whatsoever determine a person's importance neither the limit their potential. It then
acknowledges the fact that men and women actually possess the same level of capabilities and
should be given the same opportunity which will enable them succeed and contribute to society.
The promotion of gender equality is not only a matter of human rights but it is also vital for
social and economic development. When all individuals are given equal opportunities with
respect to their rights, societies will enjoy huge benefit from the full potential and contributions
of all its members. As such, gender equality is essential for achieving sustainable development
which will in turn also reduce poverty, while building an inclusive and nonviolent society.

There has been efforts geared towards achieving gender equality and this has been ongoing for a
long time with significant progress made in various areas. The Convention on the Elimination of
All Forms of Discrimination Against Women (CEDAW), adopted by the United Nations General
Assembly in 1979 and was instituted on 3 September 1981; is an international treaty that outlines
principles and actions to eradicate discrimination against women. It has served as a crucial
reference point for gender equality advocacy and policymaking globally as it is an international
bill to support women. There are various organizations as well as initiatives that have worked
and have been working towards the prevalence of gender equality worldwide. UN Women has
been one of the United Nations entities leading global efforts in this area of gender equality and
women's empowerment. There are other organizations, such as HeForShe, Plan International and
Global Fund for Women, also play significant roles in the advocacy for gender equality and the
empowerment women and girls.

In 2015, the United Nations adopted a set of 17 goals which is regarded as The Sustainable
Development Goals (SDGs), these goals also include gender equality as the 5 th goal (Achieve
gender equality and empower all women and girls). The SDGs emphasize the importance of
ensuring gender equality in every part of the society, with the inclusion of education,
employment, political participation, and access to healthcare. It is however worth noting that to
achieve gender equality, addressing deep-seated social norms, stereotypes, and biases that are
responsible for gender-based discrimination is very much required. Some of the things that could
be done are challenging harmful gender norms, promoting women's leadership and participation
including ensuring equal pay for equal work not forgetting provisional access to excellence
education and healthcare for all genders, with measures to combat gender-based violence.
Gender equality is relatively interrelated with both economic and social objectives; it plays a
crucial role in economic development, which is also fundamental for achieving social equity and
justice. Without putting in place strategies that are gender-sensitive, it will become more
challenging to achieve sustainable economic development and to even address social inequities.
Discrimination based on gender, as well as other factors such as racism, ethnicity, religion, social
status, political opinion, and sexual orientation, reflects social inequalities within a society
(Tchouassi, 2012).

The sustainable development goals (SDGs) prioritize gender equality and women's
empowerment, just like the millennium development goals (MDGs). Since women make up half
of the world's population, it is clear that gender equality is essential to achieving the Sustainable
Development Goals (SDGs), which cannot be accomplished without it. The United Nations'
developmental agenda and concept are both centered on gender equality. Through its various
bodies, specialized agencies, and member nations, the UN works to advance gender equality,
where men and women have an equal opportunity to take advantage of all 62, regardless of their
gender, race, or color, and to meaningfully contribute to the development of society's economic,
social, cultural, and political systems; to enjoy resources and benefits that are highly valued by
society; and to reach their full potential as individuals.
Women in Nigeria make up 49.2% of the overall population and are the group most likely to live
in poverty. According to Obiora and Onwuyi (2018) women's engagement in nation-building
continues to be badly impacted by the patriarchal nature of Nigeria, like many other African
nations. The numerous difficulties faced by women and girls in Nigeria, as well as many other
countries, in the private and public sectors, marked by abuse and discrimination, have been
brought to light by studies and conclusions. Empowering women and girls may promote social
development, accelerate economic progress, and create a society that is more stable and just.
Gender equality should not just be a concern inside the ranks of our armed services, but also
throughout all sectors of society to promote genuine equality and equity on a global scale only if
Nigeria is sincere about achieving the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).

The Nigerian society is innately patriarchal, which was influenced by various social factors such
as religions and customs prevalent in many parts of the country. This leads to the perception of
women as the weaker sex and the acceptance of discriminatory practices by both the state and
society, particularly by men. Consequently, it has been argued that the values and behavioral
patterns of a society are shaped by its traditions and culture. When a culture promotes the
superiority of one gender over the other, it exposes the supposedly inferior gender to various
forms of discrimination (Olawale, et al. (2021).

HISTORICAL PERSPECTIVE AND GENDER ROLES IN NIGERIA

The historical perspective of gender equality in Nigeria reveals a complex and evolving struggle
for women's rights and equal opportunities. Gender equality is a central tenet of human rights
and a crucial aspect of social development. The pursuit of gender equality has been influenced by
a complex interplay of historical, cultural, and socio-political factors.

In pre-colonial Nigeria, gender roles were primarily defined by traditional customs and cultural
practices. Women played essential roles within their communities as farmers, traders, and
caretakers, often exerting significant influence and power (Chinweizu, 2019). However, these
roles were primarily confined to the domestic sphere, limiting women's participation in decision-
making processes and public life. In the pre-colonial era, Nigeria was home to diverse ethnic
groups, each with its own cultural norms and practices. Women played vital roles within their
communities, engaging in economic activities, and holding positions of authority (Mama, 2020).
However, gender roles were still largely defined by traditional customs, which often relegate
women to domestic responsibilities and limited their participation in decision-making processes.

The arrival of European colonial powers in the 19th century introduced new dynamics to gender
relations in Nigeria with significant changes to the socio-political landscape. Missionaries and
colonial administrators brought with them Western education and values, including notions of
gender equality and women's rights (Afigbo, 2018). Nigerian women, inspired by global
women's rights movements, started advocating for greater recognition and equal rights
(Omotoso, 2018).

The attainment of Nigerian independence in 1960 provided a platform for increased women's
activism and participation in public life. Women's organizations, such as the National Council of
Women Societies (NCWS), emerged as powerful advocates for gender equality (Eboh, 2019).
These organizations played a crucial role in raising awareness about women's rights and
influencing policy changes. Another significant milestone was the establishment of the National
Gender Policy in 2006, which aimed to promote gender equality and empower women in all
sectors of Nigerian society (Ogungbile, 2021). Additionally, the passage of the Violence Against
Persons (Prohibition) Act in 2015 marked a significant step towards addressing gender-based
violence and protecting women's rights (Yusuf, 2019).

However, progress towards gender equality faced significant obstacles. Patriarchal traditions and
discriminatory laws continued to impede women's rights. The Nigerian legal system, inherited
from the colonial era, maintained several laws that undermined women's rights, including
discriminatory provisions in marriage, inheritance, and property rights (Umejiego, 2022).

Nigeria has a patriarchal society

In Nigeria, patriarchy is deeply rooted in cultural and religious beliefs, perpetuating gender
inequalities and shaping societal norms and expectations. In a patriarchal society like Nigeria,
gender roles are constructed based on prescribed expectations and responsibilities for men and
women. Traditional gender roles assign men as breadwinners and heads of households, while
women are expected to prioritize domestic duties, child-rearing, and maintaining family harmony
(Afolayan, 2019).

The patriarchal nature of Nigerian society has profound implications for women's rights and
opportunities. Discriminatory practices and norms limit women's access to education,
employment, and leadership positions (Oyewumi, 2020). These limitations reinforce gender
disparities and hinder women's ability to participate fully in social, economic, and political
spheres. This contributes to economic inequalities between men and women. Women often face
barriers to economic empowerment, including limited access to land, credit, and business
opportunities (Okonjo-Iweala, 2021). The expectation that women prioritize domestic
responsibilities further restricts their economic mobility and financial independence; imagine
some women still have to quit their jobs just to take of their children after conceiving, at least for
a period of 6month to a year depending on the household.

Nigeria's patriarchal system has resulted in a significant gender gap in political representation.
Women are underrepresented in political offices, with limited opportunities for participation in
decision-making processes (Agbalajobi, 2018). This underrepresentation hinders the formulation
of gender-responsive policies and perpetuates the marginalization of women's voices and
interests. This system is also however reinforced by social and cultural norms that dictate gender
expectations and behaviours. Traditional practices such as female genital mutilation, child
marriage, and widowhood rites further entrench gender inequalities and limit women's autonomy
(Ezeilo, 2018). These practices are deeply ingrained in society and require concerted efforts to
challenge and transform.

The system has far-reaching implications for gender roles, women's rights, and opportunities.
The perpetuation of gender inequalities restricts women's agency, limits their access to resources,
and hampers their full participation in various spheres of life. Recognizing and challenging
patriarchal norms and practices is crucial for achieving gender equality in Nigeria. Efforts to
promote women's empowerment, improve educational opportunities, enhance economic
participation, and increase political representation can help dismantle the patriarchal system and
foster a more inclusive and equitable society.
GENDER EQUALITY POLICY IN NIGERIA

Nigeria, as a diverse and populous country, has recognized the importance of addressing gender
disparities and promoting equal opportunities for all its citizens.
The Nigerian government has however implemented several policies and initiatives to promote
gender equality and address the challenges faced by women in various spheres of life. Here are
some of the key steps taken by the Nigerian government to ensure gender equality:

National Gender Policy

The National Gender Policy in 2006 which provides a framework for mainstreaming gender in
all sectors of national development. The policy aims to eliminate gender discrimination, promote
women's empowerment, and ensure equal opportunities for women and men in education, health,
employment, and political participation. Furthermore, the 2006 National Gender Policy is tied to
the social learning theory, which stresses that people learn via observation, imitation, and
reinforcement. Gender roles and stereotypes are taught via socialization and may be modified
through education and awareness-raising, according to the policy. The strategy aims to
encourage gender-sensitive education and media, which can aid in the challenge of gender
stereotypes and the promotion of gender equality.

Legal Framework
The Nigerian government has enacted legislation to protect the rights of women and promote
gender equality. Notable examples include the Violence Against Persons Prohibition Act
(VAPP), which was signed into law in 2015. VAPP criminalizes various forms of violence
against women, and the Discrimination Against Persons with Disabilities (Prohibition) Act was
passed in 2018 prohibiting discrimination based on gender and disability. The implementation of
these Acts are consistent with the ideals of social justice theory, since they aim to build a more
fair and equitable society by addressing and correcting unjust treatment and violence against
vulnerable communities. These laws contribute to the larger objective of social justice and the
building of a more inclusive and fair society for everyone by recognizing the rights and dignity
of individuals, fostering equality, and combating structural prejudice. Social justice theory is a
framework for addressing and redressing societal inequities and injustices. It is based on the
notion that all persons in a society should have equal access to rights, resources, opportunities,
and rewards. The philosophy strives to confront and demolish oppressive, discriminatory, and
privileged structures that perpetuate social, economic, and political disparities. Therefore, These
Acts are major steps toward establishing a more equal and inclusive society in which all
individuals can fully and equitably participate in all aspects of life.

Affirmative Action and Quota Systems

To increase women's representation and participation in decision-making positions, the Nigerian
government has adopted affirmative action measures. These include the implementation of quota
systems, which reserve a certain percentage of political positions or appointments for women.
For instance, the National Gender Policy sets a target of 35% representation for women in all
political, economic, and social spheres. Quota systems and affirmative action measures have
been implemented over the years, with specific years varying across different levels of
government and institutions.

Economic Empowerment
The Nigerian government recognizes the importance of women's economic empowerment for
achieving gender equality. This leads to the implementation various initiatives to promote
women's entrepreneurship, access to credit and financial services, and skills development. These
include the establishment of microfinance programs, vocational training centers, and business
support schemes specifically targeting women. In this context, Modernization theory implies that
as cultures grow more economically developed, women are more likely to join in the labor force
and obtain access to education and other economic possibilities. Traditional gender roles starts to
face some challenge as the economy diversifies and industrializes, and women are able to take on
a broader range of jobs and responsibilities in society.

Some critics, however, say that modernization theory ignores the ways in which gender
disparities are rooted in economic and social systems, and that economic progress alone may not
be enough to enhance women's economic emancipation. Women, for example, may experience
employment and promotion discrimination, or they may be barred from specific businesses or
sectors of the economy. While modernization theory suggests that economic development can
promote women's economic empowerment by creating new opportunities and challenging
traditional gender roles, it is critical to acknowledge that gender inequalities exist deeply in
economic and social structures, and that larger social and policy interventions may be required to
address these inequalities and promote women's economic empowerment more efficiently.

Education and Skills Development

There has been committed effort towards ensuring equal access to quality education for girls and
eliminating gender disparities in educational attainment by the government. Efforts have been
made to promote girls' enrollment and retention in schools, provide scholarships and incentives,
and improve the quality of education. Special attention has been given to promoting girls'
participation in science, technology, engineering, and mathematics (STEM) fields.

Health and Reproductive Rights

The implementation of various policies and programs to improve women's health and ensure
their reproductive rights has also been emphasized. These include initiatives to increase access to
maternal healthcare services, family planning, and reproductive health education. Efforts have
also been made to address harmful practices such as female genital mutilation and early child
marriage. Both female genital mutilation and early child marriage are firmly ingrained in societal
norms, cultural traditions, and gender inequalities. They have serious ramifications for girls' and
women's physical, emotional, and social well-being. It is critical to investigate the larger societal
variables that contribute to the continuation of these harmful behaviors in order to understand
and solve them.
According to the Social Determinants of Health (SDH) theory, the circumstances in which
people are born, develop, live, work, and age have a substantial impact on their health outcomes.
It acknowledges that health is impacted by a variety of social, economic, and environmental
issues outside of the healthcare system. Within the SDH framework, efforts to combat FGM and
early child marriage should include holistic methods that go beyond specific health treatments.
Strategies should focus on addressing the root causes of these behaviors, such as poverty, gender
inequality, and cultural norms, while also encouraging education, empowerment, and community
participation. It is feasible to build supportive settings that protect the rights and well-being of
girls and women by addressing the social variables that perpetuate harmful behaviors.
Additionally, reproductive rights, such as contraceptive access, safe and legal abortion, and
comprehensive sexual and reproductive healthcare, is critical in furthering gender equality and
improving women's health outcomes.

Gender-Based Violence Prevention and Response

The Nigerian government has taken steps to combat gender-based violence (GBV) by
strengthening legal frameworks, establishing specialized courts, and providing support services
for survivors. The VAPP Act criminalizes various forms of GBV, including rape, domestic
violence, and female genital mutilation, and provides for the protection and support of survivors.

Institutional Mechanisms
Institutions and bodies to oversee the implementation of gender equality policies have also been
established. With reference to the National Gender Machinery, such as the Federal Ministry of
Women Affairs and Social Development, responsible for coordinating gender mainstreaming
efforts across various sectors.

Consequently, despite these efforts, challenges remain in the implementation and enforcement of
gender equality policies in Nigeria. These include socio-cultural norms and practices, inadequate
resources, weak institutional capacity, and limited data for monitoring progress. Addressing
these challenges will require continued commitment, collaboration with civil society
organizations, and increased investment in gender equality initiatives.

THE OUTCOME OF THE POLICIES

Scholars and researchers have highlighted variations in the implementation and impact of gender
equality policies across different regions in Nigeria. They often emphasize the influence of
socio-cultural factors, economic disparities, and regional contexts on the success of these
policies.
Regional Disparities
Research by scholars like Prof. Amina Mama (Introduction: Feminism in African Spaces:
Unraveling the Connections, 2006) and Dr Comfort Ekpo (2018) has highlighted the regional
disparities in Nigeria, with the northern regions generally facing greater challenges in achieving
gender equality due to factors such as higher rates of poverty, lower educational attainment, and
prevalent cultural practices.

Education and Empowerment

Studies by Ezeilo (2018) have shown variations in girls' educational access and empowerment
programs across regions. The South West and South East regions have been noted for their
relatively higher progress in girls' education and women's empowerment initiatives.

Political Participation
Ibrahim (2019) and Olukoshi (2015) have discussed the disparities in women's political
participation across regions. They note that some regions, particularly in the South, have seen
greater success in terms of women's representation in political positions compared to the
northern regions.

Gender-Based Violence
Studies by scholars like Obasanjo (2017) and Mustapha (2018) have explored regional variations
in gender-based violence and the effectiveness of policies addressing it. They indicate higher
prevalence of gender-based violence in some regions, such as the North, and highlight the need
for region-specific interventions.

These scholars' works offer insights into regional dynamics and challenges related to gender
equality in Nigeria. However, for an in-depth analysis of the success of specific policies across
the six geopolitical zones, it is recommended to consult recent academic publications, reports
from international organizations, or studies conducted by Nigerian research institutions. These
sources provide comprehensive and up-to-date information on the subject matter.
THE SUCCESS OF THE POLICIES BASED ON GEOPOLITICAL ZONES

North Central
The success of gender equality policies in the North Central Zone varies. While there have been
improvements in certain areas, such as women's political representation and access to education,
challenges such as high rates of gender-based violence, limited economic opportunities for
women and cultural barriers to women's empowerment remain.

North East
The North East Zone faces significant challenges due to the ongoing insurgency and
displacement of communities. Gender-based violence, including abduction and forced marriage,
has been reported. Efforts to promote gender equality face substantial obstacles due to security
concerns and limited access to education and healthcare.

North West
The North West Zone grapples with similar challenges as the North East, including insecurity
and limited access to education and healthcare. The prevalence of child marriage and gender-
based violence also pose significant barriers to gender equality efforts.

South East
The South East Zone has made progress in certain areas such as women's political participation,
access to education, and healthcare. However, cultural and societal norms, as well as limited
economic opportunities, continue to hinder full gender equality.

South South
The South South Zone has seen advancements in gender equality, particularly in terms of
women's political representation and access to education. However, challenges such as gender-
based violence, limited economic empowerment, and cultural barriers persist.
South West Zone
The South West Zone has generally shown relatively better progress in gender equality
initiatives compared to other zones. There has been notable improvement in women's political
participation, educational attainment, and economic empowerment. However, challenges related
to gender-based violence, cultural norms, and disparities in access to resources remain.

It is essential to recognize that these general assessments may not capture the full complexity and
diversity within each zone. Moreover, progress and success in gender equality policies can vary
significantly within different communities, urban and rural areas, and socioeconomic contexts.
Continuous monitoring, data collection, and targeted interventions are necessary to ensure
effective implementation and address specific challenges in each geopolitical zone.

CONCLUSIONS
In recent years, Nigeria has witnessed positive developments towards gender equality. The
passage of the Violence Against Persons (Prohibition) Act in 2015 stands as a significant
milestone in addressing gender-based violence and protecting women's rights (Yusuf, 2019).
Despite this progress, numerous challenges hinder the achievement of gender equality in Nigeria;
Patriarchal norms and traditional practices continue to reinforce gender inequalities, particularly
in rural areas (Adeyanju, 2022). Harmful practices such as female genital mutilation, child
marriage, and limited access to education excessively affect women and girls, restricting their
opportunities and autonomy. Women's representation in political and decision-making positions
remains low regardless of constitutional provisions for affirmative action; women continue to be
underrepresented in political offices, hindering their ability to influence policy-making processes
(Onuoha, 2020). Although legislation has been enacted to address these issues, implementation
and enforcement remain inadequate. However addressing these challenges persistently through
legal reforms, education, economic empowerment, and increased political representation, Nigeria
can pave the way for a more inclusive and equitable society.
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