CHAPTER ONE

Gender equality has been a major topic of discussion in Nigeria, with the government implementing
various policies and initiatives to promote equal opportunities for men and women. One of the key
policies in this regard is the National Gender Policy.

The National Gender Policy, launched in 2006 by the Nigerian government, is a comprehensive
framework that aims to promote gender equality and women's empowerment in all aspects of society. It
covers various sectors such as education, health, politics, and the economy, with the ultimate goal of
creating a society where men and women have equal rights, opportunities, and access to resources.

One of the key objectives of the National Gender Policy is to eliminate gender-based discrimination and
promote the full participation of women in all spheres of life. This is a crucial step towards achieving
gender equality, as discrimination against women has been a significant barrier to their progress and
development in Nigeria.

The policy also recognizes the need to address the underlying causes of gender inequality, such as
harmful cultural practices, gender stereotypes, and unequal distribution of resources. It calls for the
involvement of all stakeholders, including the government, civil societies, and the private sector, in
addressing these issues.

In recent years, the Nigerian government has taken several steps to implement the National Gender
Policy and promote gender equality. For instance, the government has introduced initiatives to increase
girls' enrollment in schools and provide them with equal educational opportunities. It has also
implemented policies to increase women's representation in politics and decision-making positions.
These efforts have helped to bridge the gender gap and promote women's empowerment in the
country.

However, despite these efforts, Nigeria still faces many challenges in achieving gender equality. Gender-
based violence, especially against women and girls, remains a prevalent issue. Also, women continue to
face discrimination in the workplace, with limited access to leadership positions and equal pay.

To address these challenges, there is a need for sustained efforts and commitment from all
stakeholders. The government must continue to implement and enforce policies that promote gender
equality, while also providing resources for their effective implementation. Civil societies and the private
sector should also play an active role in promoting gender equality by creating awareness and
advocating for women's rights.

In conclusion, the National Gender Policy is a crucial step towards achieving gender equality in Nigeria. It
outlines a strategic framework for promoting women's empowerment and creating an inclusive society
where men and women have equal opportunities. However, the success of this policy depends on the
commitment and actions of all stakeholders. It is only by working together that we can achieve true
gender equality and create a better future for all Nigerians.
CHAPTER TWO

Nigeria, a populous and diverse country in West Africa, has made significant strides towards achieving
gender equality. This has been possible due to the country's National Gender Policy, which was adopted
in 2006. The policy aims to promote gender equality, eliminate discrimination against women, and
enhance their participation in all spheres of life. In this article, we will delve into the literature to
understand the impact of the National Gender Policy on gender equality in Nigeria. The National Gender
Policy is a comprehensive framework that addresses all aspects of gender equality, including education,
health, employment, and political participation. It was developed in response to the need to address the
gender inequalities prevalent in the country, which have been perpetuated by cultural norms and
practices. A study conducted by the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) found that the
National Gender Policy has been instrumental in advancing gender equality in Nigeria. It has provided a
solid foundation for the implementation of gender-sensitive programs and policies in various sectors.
For instance, through the policy, the government has introduced affirmative action measures to increase
women's representation in decision-making positions in both public and private sectors. The literature
also highlights the impact of the National Gender Policy on education. Before the policy's
implementation, girls' education was heavily undermined, with many girls dropping out of school due to
early marriage or cultural practices. However, the policy has led to increased enrollment of girls in
schools, with the gender parity index improving from 0.87 in 2006 to 0.94 in 2019. This has been
attributed to the policy's focus on promoting equal access to education for both boys and girls.
Furthermore, the National Gender Policy has been instrumental in improving women's health in Nigeria.
The policy recognizes the need to address the gender disparities in health outcomes and has
consequently led to the development of gender-sensitive health programs. As a result, the maternal
mortality rate has reduced from 1,200 deaths per 100,000 live births in 2006 to 512 deaths per 100,000
live births in 2018. In terms of employment, the National Gender Policy has contributed to reducing the
gender wage gap and promoting women's participation in the workforce. The policy has provided
guidelines for gender-sensitive recruitment and promotion practices, which have resulted in an increase
in women's employment opportunities in both the public and private sectors. The literature also
highlights the policy's impact on women's entrepreneurship, with initiatives such as the National
Women's Empowerment Fund providing access to capital and training for women to start and grow their
businesses. Despite the progress made, challenges remain in achieving gender equality in Nigeria. The
literature points to the need for more resources and improved coordination among government
agencies responsible for implementing the National Gender Policy. There is also a need for cultural and
attitudinal changes to address deeply ingrained gender stereotypes and discriminatory practices. In
conclusion, the National Gender Policy has been a significant step towards promoting gender equality in
Nigeria. The literature review highlights its positive impact on education, health, employment, and
women's participation in decision-making. However, there is still a long way to go in achieving full
gender equality, and continued efforts and commitment are required from all stakeholders. The
National Gender Policy remains a powerful tool in addressing gender inequality and ensuring a more
equitable, inclusive, and prosperous Nigeria for all.
CHAPTER THREE

Gender equality and the National Gender Policy are hot topics in Nigeria and across the world, as we
strive towards a more equitable and just society. In recent years, there has been a growing recognition
of the need to address gender inequalities and empower women, not only for their own well-being but
also for the advancement of the nation as a whole. To understand the progress and challenges in
achieving gender equality in Nigeria, we must take a closer look at the National Gender Policy and its
theoretical framework. The National Gender Policy was first adopted in 2006, with the aim of promoting
gender equality and empowering women in all aspects of Nigerian society. This policy serves as the
guiding document for all government interventions and initiatives related to gender issues. It recognizes
that gender inequality is a deeply rooted problem that requires a multi-faceted approach to address and
eliminate. The policy focuses on six key areas: education, health, economy, governance and political
participation, violence against women, and human rights. One of the important theoretical frameworks
that underpin the National Gender Policy is the capability approach. This approach, proposed by Nobel
Prize-winning economist, Amartya Sen, emphasizes the importance of expanding people's capabilities to
lead the kind of lives they value, rather than just focusing on income or material wealth. In the context
of gender equality, this means addressing the inequalities that restrict women's access to resources,
opportunities, and decision-making power. In terms of education, the National Gender Policy aims to
eliminate gender discrimination and promote equal access to education for all girls and boys. This is
crucial, as studies have shown that educating girls can have a significant positive impact on the health,
economic, and social well-being of a society. By providing equal educational opportunities, the policy
not only empowers girls and women but also contributes to the overall development of the nation.
Similarly, in the area of health, the National Gender Policy recognizes the importance of addressing
gender inequalities in healthcare access and outcomes. Women in Nigeria face numerous challenges in
accessing adequate healthcare, such as lack of resources, cultural and societal barriers, and
discriminatory attitudes. The policy advocates for the provision of essential health services and facilities
that cater to the specific needs of women, including reproductive health and maternal care. The
economy is another crucial area where gender inequalities persist in Nigeria. The National Gender Policy
recognizes the need to promote women's economic empowerment to reduce poverty and promote
sustainable development. This includes improving access to credit, training, and business support
services for women entrepreneurs and promoting equitable participation in the labor force. In the
political sphere, the National Gender Policy promotes women's participation in decision-making
processes at all levels. Nigeria has made some progress in this regard, with the country having a higher
percentage of women in parliament compared to some other African countries. However, more needs
to be done to ensure women's equal representation and participation in politics and governance. The
National Gender Policy also addresses the issue of violence against women, which is a widespread
problem in Nigeria. The policy highlights the need for legal and institutional frameworks to prevent and
respond to violence against women, as well as providing support and services for survivors. Finally, the
National Gender Policy emphasizes the protection of women's human rights and the promotion of
gender equality as a fundamental human right. This framework recognizes that gender equality is not
just about securing the rights of women but also about creating a more just and equal society for all
individuals. In conclusion, the National Gender Policy and its theoretical framework play a vital role in
promoting gender equality in Nigeria. While there have been some positive developments in recent
years, there is still a long way to go in achieving true gender equality. It is essential for all stakeholders,
including the government, civil society, and individuals, to work together to implement the policy and
create a society where men and women can thrive equally. Together, we can build a more equitable and
prosperous Nigeria for all.