GENDER DISCOURSE AND NATIONAL DEVELOPMENT IN NIGERIA

Abstract

There have been growing agitations for gender equality in Nigerian society in particular and the African continent in general. Consequently, a plethora of philosophical theories and literature on gender equality and gender inclusiveness became ubiquitous in the philosophical landscape as a society is built on the provisions of laws to foster fairness in human relations. Despite these concerted efforts toward gender equality, society still struggles to fully evolve from its firm patriarchal foundations. This slow pace in eliminating gender inequality and producing a society devoid of gender bias is seen in African states in general. African women are becoming more vocal and proactive in their dissatisfaction with the gender discrimination in society. African females and feminist philosophers have struggled for recognition and societal acceptance and implementation of some of the laws that have been made at national and international levels to ensure the revisitation of policies that reiterate the need for women to enjoy equal opportunities with their male counterparts especially concerning female participation in politics. This paper is in pursuit of gender equality within the crucible of gender equity and equal opportunities in the political, economic, socio-cultural, educational and other sectors that require the services of human resources. The goal is to foster an atmosphere of partnership and complementarity between both genders, where the female gender can complement the male gender in every area that will require the unique expertise and makeup of either gender. The paper uses critical and analytical methods.