International Women’s Day was celebrated recently, highlighting the ideals of gender equality and empowerment. However, Nigerian women and girls continue to face unique challenges in their daily struggle for survival. In this special report, Korede Abdullah, Southwest correspondent for Africa Health Report, takes a deep dive into the hardships and obstacles confronting women in Nigeria.
Call for Gender Equality
International Women’s Day (IWD), celebrated annually on March 8, serves as a global call for gender equality and women’s empowerment, highlighting achievements while recognizing ongoing struggles.
While international frameworks advocate for equal rights, the reality for many Nigerian women remains starkly different, marked by systemic barriers such as gender-based violence, economic disparity, and limited political representation.
Cultural norms, legal gaps, and socio-economic challenges continue to hinder progress despite global commitments to change. This report seeks to illuminate these persistent issues, underscoring the gap between ideals and reality, and advocating for actionable reforms to ensure Nigerian women fully benefit from the rights and opportunities promised on the world stage.
30 Years After Beijing Conference: How Far Have Women Come?
The Beijing Conference on Women, officially the Fourth World Conference on Women, was held in September 1995 in Beijing, China. It was a landmark event organized by the United Nations, bringing together 17,000 participants from around the world, including government representatives, NGOs, and activists.
The conference resulted in the Beijing Declaration and Platform for Action, a comprehensive blueprint for advancing women’s rights globally. It highlighted critical issues such as gender equality, women’s empowerment, and combating violence against women.
The conference marked a turning point by recognizing women’s rights as human rights and pushing for legal and social reforms in areas like education, health, and political participation.
Nearly three decades later, the Beijing Platform for Action remains a reference point for gender equality, but progress has been uneven. While many countries have made strides in women’s education, workforce participation, and leadership roles, challenges persist, particularly in wage gaps, gender-based violence, and political representation.
The rise of digital activism and global movements like #MeToo have reignited discussions on issues raised in Beijing, proving its lasting impact. However, with growing concerns over setbacks in reproductive rights and gender policies in some regions, advocates argue that the principles of the Beijing Conference are more relevant than ever, calling for renewed global commitment to achieving its goals.
The Struggles of Nigerian Women
Despite global advocacy for gender equality, Nigerian women continue to face entrenched economic barriers that limit their financial independence and career growth. The gender pay gap persists, with women earning significantly less than men for the same work, while high-income positions remain largely male-dominated.
As Ms Funke Cole, a public affairs analyst who spoke with Africa Health Report (AHR) puts it, women are often discriminated against in various ways which limits the opportunities for them.
“Discriminatory workplace practices, such as inadequate maternity policies and the expectation that women prioritize family over careers, further restrict opportunities.”, Ms Cole noted.
She added, “Additionally, financial exclusion remains a major hurdle, as many women struggle to access credit and capital to start or expand businesses, reinforcing cycles of poverty and dependence.”
She said social and cultural norms further deepen gender disparities, with patriarchy dictating decision-making at home and in society.
“Many girls are denied quality education due to early marriage, teenage pregnancy, or family preferences for investing in male children.”, Cole lamented.
Africa Health Report (AHR) findings show that beyond education, gender-based violence remains rampant, with domestic abuse often going unpunished due to weak legal protections and societal stigma. The normalization of violence against women silences victims and discourages them from seeking justice.
Traditional customs also play a critical role in limiting women’s autonomy and self-worth. Harmful practices such as widowhood rites, female genital mutilation, and forced marriages continue to oppress women in many communities.
In Ms Cole’s concluding words, “Our mothers were often denied inheritance, silenced in family decisions, and left financially stranded by traditions that favoured men. Even today, divorced or single women face societal stigma, labelled as failures or outcasts.
“These cultural limitations, reinforced by both tradition and modern institutions, show how deeply ingrained gender inequality remains, making the fight for women’s rights in Nigeria more urgent than ever.”
Long Way to Go
Nigeria is struggling to achieve gender equality, particularly in politics and governance. Only 6% of women are active in politics, and a mere 7.34% of senators in the parliament are women.
This falls short of the Beijing Declaration Platform for Action’s benchmark of 30% women in decision-making positions. To address this, quotas could be implemented to increase the number of women in leadership positions.
The underrepresentation of women in governance is further exacerbated by intimidation and violence. Women have faced physical, sexual, psychological, and socio-economic violence during elections, discouraging them from participating in politics.
Lawyers interviewed on the matter emphasize the need for the government to ensure a level playing ground for all and punish any act of violence against women. As one Kayode Olusesan, a legal practitioner who spoke with our correspondent puts it, “Women’s rights are human rights, and it’s essential we recognize and protect them.”
According to Olusesan, to promote gender equality, Nigeria must also address maternal health and economic empowerment.
The country accounts for over 34% of global maternal deaths, and more than 18% of households are headed by women who lack access to productive resources. Lawyers suggest that providing free and adequate healthcare for expectant mothers and their babies, as well as training and financial support for women, can contribute to changing this narrative.
“By promoting equality and trust, Nigeria’s leaders can enhance governance and create a more inclusive society”, the lawyer noted.
Natasha’s Case Against Akpabio
The resubmission of Senator Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan’s sexual harassment petition against Senate President Godswill Akpabio has reignited discussions on the challenges women face in positions of power. Akpoti-Uduaghan, a senator representing Kogi Central, initially filed the complaint with the Senate Committee on Ethics, Code of Conduct, and Public Petitions, but it was dismissed without a thorough investigation.
Her decision to resubmit the petition highlights growing concerns about systemic barriers that discourage victims from seeking justice, particularly when allegations involve high-ranking officials.
The rejection of the initial petition has drawn criticism from women’s rights advocates and legal experts, who argue that existing mechanisms for addressing such complaints are inadequate. Many believe this case underscores the broader issue of sex-based intimidation and victimization in Nigeria’s political sphere, where power dynamics often silence victims. As the petition is reconsidered, it remains to be seen whether the Senate will take concrete steps to ensure a fair hearing, or if Akpoti-Uduaghan’s efforts will once again be met with institutional resistance.
Female Students versus Lecturers
The experience of female students being victimized by lecturers is another disturbing trend that warrants attention. The power imbalance in such relationships often leaves women vulnerable to exploitation and harassment. Personal stories of women who have overcome obstacles and achieved success despite these challenges serve as a testament to their resilience and determination.
However, these stories also underscore the need for systemic change to prevent such experiences from occurring in the first place.
According to Mrs. Folami Adegoke, Executive Director Emerald Women Group, addressing sex intimidation and victimization requires a multifaceted approach that involves strengthening institutional mechanisms, promoting a culture of zero tolerance, and empowering women to speak out against harassment.
“By sharing their stories and advocating for change, women like Senator Akpoti-Uduaghan are helping to pave the way for a more equitable and just society.”, Adegoke said.
Empowering Women, Empowering Nation
The National Human Rights Commission (NHRC) continues to play a vital role in advocating for women’s rights and gender equality in Nigeria. Through its various departments and initiatives, the NHRC promotes policies and legal reforms aimed at safeguarding women’s rights.
Human rights activists have commended the NHRC’s efforts, particularly its push for the Women Participation in Elections Bill. “This bill is a crucial step towards gender equity,” says activist Aisha Yesufu. “Women’s representation in politics is essential for promoting their rights and interests.”
However, despite these efforts, women in Nigeria still face significant challenges. “Deeply ingrained societal norms, economic disparities, and systemic discrimination continue to hinder women’s full participation in society,” notes activist Dorothy Njemanze at a forum. “We need to address these underlying issues to achieve true gender equality.”
Other activists emphasize the importance of collective action and raising public awareness. “We need to work together to promote women’s rights and challenge harmful traditional practices,” says activist Saudatu Mahdi. According to the Secretary General of Women’s Rights Advancement and Protection Alternative (WRAPA),
“Only through collective action can we create a more just and equitable society for all.”
The NHRC’s call for collective action has been described as crucial in addressing these issues. By working together, government agencies, civil society organizations, and international partners can help dismantle the structural barriers that hinder gender equality.
As activist Abiola Akiyode-Afolabi notes, “The fight for women’s rights is not just about legal recognition, but about transforming societal attitudes and ensuring that women live free from oppression, violence, sexual harassment and discrimination.”
Nigerian women continue to face significant challenges, from gender-based violence and economic inequality to limited political representation. Despite legal frameworks promoting gender equity, systemic barriers hinder progress, leaving many women marginalized.
Most of those who spoke with this newspaper are of the opinion that addressing these issues requires a collective effort—government policies must be enforced, civil society must amplify women’s voices, and individuals must challenge societal norms.
As Mrs Adegoke finally explained, “Bridging the gap between ideals and reality is not just a necessity but an urgent call to action for a more inclusive and equitable Nigeria.”
