Beyond the Struggle: Empowering Women and Overcoming Gender Inequality in Nigeria -By Maryam Abdullahi Zuru

The challenges women face in Nigeria are both profound and pervasive, from sexual and gender-based violence (SGBV) to economic and political disenfranchisement. The statistics are staggering, and the call for change has never been more urgent.

The Impact of Sexual and Gender-Based Violence (SGBV)
According to the 2018 National Demographic Health Survey (NDHS), a shocking 33% of Nigerian women aged 15-49 have experienced physical or sexual violence. Worse still, one in three women experiences physical violence before the age of 15. Nigeria is home to approximately 20 million survivors of SGBV, making up 10% of the global 200 million survivors. The country also has the third-highest incidence of female genital mutilation (FGM) worldwide, with the highest risk occurring in the first year of a girl’s life.

These alarming figures highlight a broader societal issue: women in Nigeria are often pressured to endure abusive relationships due to societal and cultural norms. In many regions, leaving an abusive marriage is seen as unacceptable unless the woman is fully prepared to face societal stigma. This only serves to empower perpetrators, who know that the threat of social exclusion keeps women trapped in these harmful situations.

Nutrition: A Key Factor in Women’s Health and Well-being
Women’s health in Nigeria is also severely impacted by poor nutrition. The 2022 National Food Consumption and Micronutrient Survey revealed that 55% of adolescent girls and women suffer from anaemia, and nearly half of Nigerian women of reproductive age fail to consume the recommended five out of ten food groups. This nutritional gap has serious consequences, as it weakens the physical health of women, making them more vulnerable to diseases and hindering their ability to fully participate in society.

In 2021, UNICEF reported that the number of food-insecure women in Nigeria more than doubled compared to 2019. Despite comprising more than 52% of smallholder farmers in the country, women are disproportionately affected by food insecurity and malnutrition. In many cases, food insecurity becomes a tool for perpetuating SGBV, as perpetrators withhold food to punish or control victims.

Economic Empowerment and Gender Disparities
The economic empowerment of women in Nigeria remains a distant goal. According to the World Bank, in 2021, Nigeria had a lower adult literacy rate for women than for men. The labor force participation rate for women stood at 52.2%, compared to 65.9% for men in 2023. Even in business ownership, men outpace women significantly, with 66% of businesses owned by men in 2020, compared to just 34% by women.

The gap in financial inclusion is equally concerning. Only 35% of women owned a bank account in 2021, compared to 55.5% of men. Asset ownership is another area of inequality, with only 10.7% of women owning a dwelling either alone or jointly in 2018. This economic vulnerability leaves many women unable to protect themselves in cases of marital dissolution or abandonment. Furthermore, women continue to face challenges with inheritance rights across the country, exacerbating their lack of financial security.

Political Participation: A Distant Dream
Women’s participation in Nigeria’s political sphere remains dismally low. As of 2023, women held only 3.9% of seats in the national parliament, a sharp contrast to the ideal of gender-balanced governance. Since 1999, no administration has met the 35% target for female ministerial appointments, and women currently make up just 17% of ministers. There has also been a lack of female governors, and the absence of female political role models makes it even more challenging for young girls to envision a future in politics.

Conclusion: A Long Road Ahead
The challenges facing women in Nigeria seem insurmountable at times, but there is hope. Significant efforts are underway to bridge the gap between men and women and ensure equal rights. Policies such as the Violence Against Persons Prohibition (VAPP) Act, which advocates for the full implementation of protections against SGBV, are steps in the right direction. Yet, the federal government still has a long way to go in fully implementing these policies and ensuring true gender equality.

On this day, it is essential to recognize and appreciate the tireless efforts of those at the forefront of the fight for equal rights for women. These individuals are our unsung heroes, working to create a society where women and girls can thrive without fear of violence, discrimination, or exclusion. With sustained commitment and the right mindset, we can build a more equitable Nigeria, where gender parity in national development becomes a reality.

Maryam Abdullahi Zuru