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. By addressing inequality in this way, it is necessary to have a fuller understanding of the theory compared with the reality and what to do about it. The paper begins by examining the status of women in Nigeria today and then proceeds to discuss how gender equality will move women and girls forward and how enforcement of women's rights will ultimately produce dividend: namely, advancing 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 flourishes. This paper also provides two main reasons as to why 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, therefore society sees no evidence of willingness by the State. 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. It concludes that Nigeria needs to take effective action to sanction the discriminatory acts that are practiced in the country. There are two reason why I have embarked on this study, first is because to effectively address the marginalisation of women in Nigeria, a female perspective and presence is essential and I think I should be capable to do this. Second, bearing in mind that one of the targets of Sustainable Development Goals (SDG) 2030 is to end all forms all forms of discrimination against women and girls everywhere must be attained