Reimagining gender equation for national development in contemporary Nigeria

Abstract

Gender discourse in Nigeria continues to command attention as there is a sustained scepticism on whether enough efforts are being put towards achieving genuine gender equity and equality. More so events in recent and not so recent times raise bold question marks on the feasibility of gender equity in the socio-economic cum political makeup of Nigeria as a nation. This foregrounds the argument of this article that the patriarchal sentiments that broach prejudice and marginalization of women and other types of men, are perpetrated in both private and public spaces in Nigeria. The study contends that such attitudes result in socio-cultural and political conditioning which hinders the pace of national development. The study adopts the qualitative and critique approach in its analysis; and concludes that empathy is the keyword towards achieving genuine gender equity and equality. It suggests that gender equality can only be achieved through honest and genuine scrutiny of development processes. It submits that more efforts should be put in place to formulate and implement policies that are inclusive for all genders within the Nigerian social space.