Minimizing Women Marginalization As A Tool For Development In Nigeria

Abstract

This is an advocacy for a gender balance among Nigerians. It explores various facets of women marginalization; highlights the socio-economic consequences and proffers strategies for halting the trend. The rights of women are violated through the male-child preference syndrome, sexual harassment, domestic violence, denial of rights of inheritance, free movement, education, employment and politics. Women are subjected to female genital multilation and get exposed to a lot of health and hazards. Female circumcision whether “sunna”, excision or infubulation predisposes women to anaemia, fainting attacks, infertility, obstructed labour, vesico vaginal fistula, recto vaginal fistula, recto vaginal fistula, and even death. Additionally, untrained women remain poor as they constitute the passive citizens, not understanding what democracy is all about, yet women are a key factor in the primary socialization process. For Nigeria to move forward therefore, there is need to break the gender bonds by educating women thereby empowering them.

Journal of Research in National Development Vol. 3 (2) 2005: pp. 30-38