An Examination of the Laws Discriminating Against Women in Nigeria and Ways of addressing it

Abstract

The paper examines the discrimination and disempowerment that Nigerian women face throughout their lives. It also provides an outline of what must be done to eliminate gender discrimination and empower women and
girls in Nigeria. The paper begins by examining the status of women in Nigeria and then proceeds to discuss how gender equality will move women and girls forward and how enforcement of women’s rights will ultimately advance the rights of both women and children especially girls. The premise on which this is based is that when women are educated and able to take the opportunities life affords them, then their children thrive and the country ultimately flourishes. This paper also provides two main reasons as towhy it has focused on gender equality in discussing the state of women in Nigeria: Firstly, gender equality furthers the cause of economic development and secondly, gender equality is essential to creating a world of peace, equity, tolerance, freedom, respect for the women folk and children. It is pointed out that general and discriminatory legislative ineffectiveness also creates a climate that is conducive to discriminatory practices against women. It highlights the persistence of gender inequalities, the power relations that support these inequalities and the everyday processes through which inequalities are reproduced and normalised. The paper concludes that Nigeria needs to take effective action to sanction the discriminatory acts experienced in the country.