GENDER MAINSTREAMING AND NIGERIA ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT: CHALLENGES AND PROSPECTS

Abstract

Gender inequity has become an issue for global concern especially in the developing countries of which Nigeria is one. Thus questions have been asked as to the role of women in economic development. Worried by the prevailing scenario of gender inequality in our clime, this paper examines gender mainstreaming and Nigeria’s economic development. Evidently, women had played second fiddle to men and they have been relegated to the background in various fields of human endeavour. The important roles women play in nation building and economic development are currently receiving deserved scholarly attention. Many women do not participate fully in political activities either because the society frowns at it or they are not educationally sound. Although there have been some improvements over the years, majority of women still lag behind men in power, wealth and opportunity. Many factors such as traditional, socio-cultural, socioeconomic and religious constraints inhibit women’s participation in and contributions to economic development. Though history has recorded some notable Nigerian women’s contribution to national development, much is still left undone. The paper, therefore, recommends the use of public enlightenment to facilitate women empowerment, dismantling of traditional and religious inhibitions on women’s goal of self-actualization and that the government should intensify programmes for women education and ensure that there is an equitable representation of both sexes in political appointments.