Gender equality discourse has pioneered gender issues in the 21st century. With the strong advocacy for women inclusion in the economy and all its purported benefits, why do Nigerian women still play a peripheral role in our society?
- Nigerian women account for less than 30% representation in the political sphere;
- Outdated views on women being just home managers still prevails;
- Overall, women have the potential to make meaningful contributions to economic growth and development;
- Building cash incentives and developing the entrepreneurial abilities of Nigerian women will have a ripple effect on the economy;
- Introducing Gender Based Quota should further enhance women’s inclusive participation in Nigeria.
Still waiting on female representation in Nigeria
In 2000, Nigeria established the National Policy of Women stipulating at least a 30% benchmark of female representation. It’s been over two decades and ministerial appointments are yet to reflect this; the highest being a 22.2% representation in 2011, per an NBS Report. And between 1999 to 2016, female appointments into governance–judiciary and administration- stood at 26.2%. Likewise, Nigeria has never had a woman as the Governor of CBN, President National Industrial Court or Chief Registrar of the Supreme Court.
To compound issues, they remain prominent victims of Gender Based Violence. To say nothing of the hindered access to education or healthcare.
Yet, a glimmer of hope shines through for some African countries. Chief of this remains Rwanda, holding the foremost record of female representation in legislature at a staggering 62%. Burundi also boosted over 35% women representation in her parliament. Likewise, Senegal, South Africa, Namibia and Ethiopia where they have over 35% representation in their political circles.
Outdated perceptions and their impact
Culture has inadvertently influenced the role of women in Nigeria. Even President Muhammadu Buhari echoed this sentiment, retorting that his wife belonged to the kitchen, living room and the “other room”.
To that end, Dr Ehi Juliet revealed how some women relish hospital admission even when fine. The Paediatrics Registrar at Ahmadu Bello University Teaching Hospital, Zaria explained that women found this alone time as solitude. It was their opportunity to leave “their kitchen, living room and the other room” for some time. This also gave “their fellow housewives” the opportunity to visit them at the hospital. And when they visit, they stay the whole day, savouring “freedom” while it lasts.
While this is not the plight of every Nigerian woman, the prevalence makes for troublesome statistics. Again, in the workspace, women often resign upon marriage, taking lead on the home front. And while this may have been acceptable decades ago, it makes for economic impediment as Nigerian women occupy more than half of the workforce age.
Nigerian women bursting with potential
Amid being relegated, Nigerian women did not take it lying as they lay siege to the economy. We have more cases of female entrepreneurs than ever. Also, women form the backbone of the agricultural sector, providing 60-80% of the entire labour force.
In truth, Nigerian women continue to show their relevance in a male-dominated society. And the progressive advancement of women’s contribution has affected governance at all levels with positive response in all areas.
A little goes a long way
Already Nigerian women have begun this uphill task into staking their claim in society, but a little help could make all the difference. Enter Federal government (FG). First steps would be fiscal aid. FG could provide cash injections to female led small and mid-size enterprises (SMEs) (through cash transfer or business plan competitions). Also crucial would be innovative saving schemes that allow women to keep a greater share of their earnings. This will boost their capital base and increase their competitive participation in the economy.
To bridge the gap created in employment, FG could partner with NGOs and CSOs. Such a collaboration would establish training initiatives for women. Further, job specific coaching to dismantle injunctive norms that hold women back would be welcome.
Taking a leaf from the breakthrough in other African countries, the introduction and implementation of gender based quota into every aspect of our society will enhance greater women’s participation.
A woman’s engagement in productive activity is vital to development as they increase economic growth. Overall, enhancing women’s inclusion will unleash a potent force for innovation, productivity and economic growth.