Empowering Nigerian Women in the 21st Century: Measuring the Gap

Scientific Essay from the year 2012 in the subject Gender Studies, University of Jaume I, language: English, abstract: This study is a contribution to the debate on the political and socio-economical empowerment of African women in the era of democratic awakening. The thrust of this study examined and analysed impediments to the political and socio-economical empowerment of the African woman in the 21st century, with emphasis on Nigeria, and how to emancipate female Nigerians from political mediocre and stagnancy through education and participation in the socio-economic and political development of the nation. It argued that whereas various factors impede the advancement of women in politics and other spheres of the society, these factors are partly contributed by female Nigerians. The study further revealed that whereas the government has a role to play in changing the subordinate status of women in government and decision-making, many actions have to be taken by women in order to break loose from political backwardness and social subordination. Issues such as contending factors to the political progress of women were examined, and thereafter the way forward proposed. The main purpose of the study is to encourage maximum support and participation of women in decision-making and the development of the nation. This article may be useful to educators, policy makers and women groups who are developing strategies for the advancement of women in developing countries.