Unequal by Design

Since Nigeria's return to democracy, there has been a continuous struggle for the attainment of the rights of women to equality and nondiscrimination. Many positive steps have been taken by women's groups, Civil Society Organizations (CSOs), and other concerned citizens to address the inequalities and inequities that perpetuate women's limited access to political, social, and economic opportunities. Those actions have achieved mixed results.

There have been several sponsored bills aimed at achieving equal opportunities for women, and some sought constitutional review to address discriminatory provisions against women. In some other cases, clauses have been added to existing provisions of the constitution to enhance the opportunities of women to participate in both the administrative and political spaces of the country. To date, all efforts to achieve the legislative intervention required for women's rights have yet to yield the desired outcomes.

This report highlights some provisions of Nigeria's laws that perpetuate, support, or institutionalize gender insensitive and discriminatory practices against women. It also provides a brief background to the struggle for the actualization of the rights of women in Nigeria, citing human rights instruments supporting the struggle of women, and especially the social and political realities of women that necessitate legislative intervention. The report also highlights the constitutional provisions requiring amendment and those that need to be leveraged on to enhance the opportunities of women to thrive in their daily lives, and participate in leadership and governance. It finally makes some recommendations on enumerated policies and structural practices, and how progress can be achieved.