Harmful Cultural Practices and Gender Equality in Nigeria

Abstract

This article discusses how harmful cultural practices may impair women’s fundamental rights, particularly the rights to non-discrimination and equality  guaranteed in numerous international and regional human rights instruments. More specifically, the article discusses three main cultural practices: son  preference, primogeniture system and burial rites, and their implications for women’s fundamental rights and freedoms in Nigeria. It analyses the  conflict that may exist in adhering to cultural practices and in promoting women’s fundamental rights to equality in a plural society like Nigeria. It further  examines the legal and structural framework for addressing gender equality in the country and makes some suggestions for the way forward. It  concludes by urging the Nigerian government to take more decisive measures in eliminating harmful cultural practices against women in line with its  obligations under international law.